Continental marginal systems are undergoing rapid transformations driven by anthropogenic activities and climate change. A comprehensive understanding of environmental, ecological, and economic interactions is crucial for optimizing ocean resource utilization and management strategies. Insights gained from multidisciplinary syntheses and inter-regional comparative studies of coastal socio-ecological systems will enhance the rationalization and optimization of marginal seas management. The Chinese marginal seas, particularly the Bohai Sea, serve as pivotal case studies for examining the impacts of multiple stressors on ecosystems and social dynamics. Surrounded by land regions experiencing rapid population growth and economic development, these coastal waters face intense human-induced pressures, exacerbating the stress on marine ecosystems already affected by climate change. The ecological environment of the Bohai has undergone significant changes due to multiple stressors, including climate change (rising temperatures, declining river discharge) and human activities (reclamation, urbanization, industry, agriculture). These have increased sea temperature and salinity, reduced winter sea ice, intensified summer stratification, and altered coastlines through reclamation for aquaculture and construction. Sediment from the river has further disrupted tidal regimes and fragmented fish habitats. In response, stringent reclamation policies and the "Grain-for-Green" program have been implemented to mitigate damage. Nutrient shifts from agricultural practices, wastewater discharge, and seasonal river fluxes highlight the need for robust pollution control and long-term monitoring. Overfishing and environmental changes have reduced fishery resources, with large species replaced by smaller ones. While summer fishing bans and stock enhancement aid recovery, integrated measures—pollution control, habitat protection, and restoration—are crucial for long-term ecosystem restoration.