Editor Guidelines

1. Manuscript Submission Requirements

  • Format: All manuscripts must adhere to the journal’s formatting style, including font, margins, line spacing, and reference style. Use a professional, clear font such as Times New Roman, 12 pt, and ensure double spacing throughout.
  • Length: Submissions should not exceed 8,000 words, including references, tables, and figures. Shorter research notes and communications should be under 3,000 words.
  • File Format: Acceptable file formats are Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or LaTeX for manuscripts and .xls/.xlsx for supplementary tables.

2. Scope and Relevance

  • Ensure the manuscript falls within the scope of the journal. Topics should align with advances in aquaculture, sustainable fisheries management, marine biology, or related areas.
  • Manuscripts must contribute new insights, findings, or methodologies to the field. Submissions that duplicate previous work or provide insufficient novelty will be rejected.

3. Ethical Considerations

  • Plagiarism: Manuscripts will undergo plagiarism screening. Any instance of plagiarism or self-plagiarism will result in rejection.
  • Animal Ethics: Studies involving animals must comply with ethical standards for animal care and use. Authors must provide ethics approval details in the Methods section.
  • Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

4. Peer Review Process

  • The journal uses a double-blind peer-review system. Ensure all identifying author information is removed from the manuscript and supplementary files.
  • Editors should select at least two expert reviewers per manuscript. Reviewers must assess the manuscript's scientific rigor, novelty, clarity, and relevance.
  • Editors are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the manuscript and reviewer identities.

5. Structure and Organization

  • Ensure the manuscript follows the standard IMRAD structure:
    • Introduction: States the problem, background, and objectives.
    • Methods: Detailed enough for replication. Includes study design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
    • Results: Presents findings without interpretation. Use tables, graphs, or charts where necessary.
    • Discussion: Interprets findings in the context of existing literature, addresses limitations, and highlights implications.
    • References: Use the journal’s preferred citation style (e.g., APA, Chicago, Vancouver).

6. Tables, Figures, and Supplementary Materials

  • Tables and figures should be self-explanatory and complement the text. Ensure proper labeling and high resolution (300 dpi minimum for images).
  • Supplementary material should include raw data, additional tables, or appendices that are directly relevant but not essential for the main text.

7. Language and Clarity

  • Submissions must be in clear, professional English. Non-native English speakers should consider professional editing services before submission.
  • Avoid excessive jargon; manuscripts should be understandable to a broad audience in aquaculture and fisheries.

8. Final Decision

  • After receiving peer reviews, the editor will make one of the following decisions:
    • Accept: Ready for publication with no or minor revisions.
    • Minor Revision: Authors must address specific comments before acceptance.
    • Major Revision: Substantial issues must be addressed and re-evaluated.
    • Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s standards or scope.

9. Post-Acceptance

  • Authors must submit a final, clean version of the manuscript with all requested revisions.
  • The editorial team will handle formatting, proofing, and publishing. Authors will be notified when proofs are ready for review.

10. Communication

  • Editors should maintain clear, professional communication with authors and reviewers. Any delays or complications should be communicated promptly.