From Sea to Soil: Marine Actinobacteria in Integrated Seawater Energy Agriculture Systems (ma-ISEAS)

Marine actinobacteria are gaining attention for their biotechnological and ecological potential, yet their roles in marine agriculture, biofuel production, and climate change mitigation remain underexplored. In this review, we examine their application in saline ecosystems—particularly mangroves and Salicornia—as biofertilizers and bioinoculants that can enhance crop productivity under extreme conditions. We highlight the ecological functions and secondary metabolites of marine actinobacteria and discuss their potential in sustainable energy production from non-arable lands. We also introduce the concept “marine actinobacteria in Integrated Seawater Energy Agriculture System (ma-ISEAS)” to strengthen the performance of the established ISEAS framework in the United Arab Emirates, thereby supporting renewable biofuel production and contributing to climate change mitigation strategies. Despite this promise, several challenges can be addressed. These include technological bottlenecks in large-scale cultivation, gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration, and the absence of standardized protocols for field application. Furthermore, regulatory and biosafety considerations, especially for the environmental release of genetically enhanced microbial strains, remain underdeveloped. Addressing these challenges is essential for the responsible deployment of marine actinobacteria in advancing agriculture, energy, and environmental sustainability.