Preservation and resilience of coastal areas and environments are vital for billions of people who are affected by the elevation of water levels, pollution, excessive anthropisation, and other damages of their own making, some irreversible. Many experts and institutions specialising in marine or coastal sciences seek to understand this complex environment and to develop sustainable “management” strategies and policies. Still, solutions or innovations may come from unrelated technical or scientific directions, bringing an original perspective. Three examples in biology, renewable energy and environmental studies illustrate this diversity of innovator’s backgrounds and motivations. Raising awareness of individuals and institutions unrelated to coastal sciences about the critical challenges facing the occupation of coastal areas can trigger their curiosity and interest which, with their original and unconventional approach may act as a catalyst for innovative solutions.