Aims & Scope

Aims

Aquatic Life and Ecosystems (ALE) is a gold open access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to disseminating high-quality research that advances our understanding of the biology, ecology, and sustainable management of aquatic organisms and ecosystems. It promotes integrative and multidisciplinary approaches to studying aquatic life, encompassing molecular biology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution. The journal supports developing applied research that informs conservation strategies, habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, and environmental policy. ALE seeks to serve as a comprehensive platform and vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers involved in aquatic sciences and ecosystem management. It is published quarterly online by Scilight Press.

Scope

The journal accepts original research articles, review papers, methodological advancements, and brief communications contributing novel insights or syntheses. Interdisciplinary submissions that bridge natural and social sciences or integrate science with policy are particularly encouraged. The journal welcomes submissions that explore the biology, ecology, and interactions of aquatic organisms, as well as the structure, function, and health of aquatic ecosystems. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Aquatic Ecology and Biodiversity: Studies on species interactions, community dynamics, population biology, trophic structures, and ecosystem functioning in aquatic environments.
• Aquatic Organismal Biology: Research on the physiology, behavior, genetics, evolutionary biology and life history of aquatic organisms, ranging from microorganisms and invertebrates to fish, reptiles, and aquatic mammals.
• Aquaculture and Fisheries Science: Sustainable aquaculture practices, fishery resource management, stock assessments, and innovations in breeding, nutrition, and health management.
• Aquatic Environmental Change: Impacts of climate change, eutrophication, acidification, and hydrological modifications on aquatic systems and their biota.
• Conservation and Restoration Ecology: Strategies for protecting endangered aquatic species, restoring degraded habitats, and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
• Pollution and Ecotoxicology: Effects of contaminants such as heavy metals, microplastics, and emerging pollutants on aquatic life and water quality.
• Hydrobiology and Biogeochemistry: Interactions between biological processes and chemical cycles in aquatic systems, including nutrient dynamics and carbon cycling.
• Integrated Management and Policy: Socio-ecological approaches to the governance of aquatic resources, including ecosystem-based management, marine spatial planning, and community-based conservation.

The journal encourages submissions that employ cutting-edge technologies, such as molecular tools, remote sensing, modeling, and data-driven analytics, as well as interdisciplinary studies that integrate biological, physical, and social sciences, promoting the exchange of knowledge among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working across freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments.