Significant anthropogenic pressures caused by intensive urbanization combined with climate change impacts result in significant changes in the structure and functioning of marine biological communities in East Asia. Assessing the status of ongoing changes in marine and coastal biodiversity and habitats is an important research question but also critical issue to consider for developing national and regional policies and coordinated regional monitoring strategies. Led by the leading marine biodiversity institutions in East Asia and supported by the Jeju National University and the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) of UNEP, the project’s aim is to enhance capabilities to participate in research on global change and sustainability and to support science-based decision-making in the region and beyond to understand what are key indicator species, ecosystem types and major pathways resulting in marine biodiversity changes in the Northwest Pacific. Recommendations of the proposed international workshop entitled “Key Indicator Species and Habitats for Marine Biodiversity Change in East Asia” will strengthen evidence-based science-policy making process, inform decision-makers and enhance public awareness in the region about marine biodiversity loss and changes. Furthermore, workshop results would provide information for the development of the NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity and contribute to the achievement of SDG 14.