Contributions are invited on recent advances in our understanding of circulation and fluid dynamical processes in coastal and shelf seas. We welcome observational, modelling, theoretical and interdisciplinary studies spanning a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, from the shelf break to the coastal zone. The session aims to bring together studies addressing the diverse and dynamic processes that shape coastal and shelf environments, including shelf circulation, canyon flows, exchange flows in semi-enclosed seas, mesoscale and submesoscale eddies and dynamics, river plumes and estuaries, as well as flow interactions with biogeochemistry, sediment dynamics and nearshore physics. Contributions addressing the effects of climate change, extreme events, and anthropogenic activities—including offshore wind farms and other marine renewable-energy developments—on coastal seas and estuaries are also welcome. Early-career scientists are especially encouraged to submit their work to this session.