AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE

Scope & Guideline

Championing ecological insights for thriving aquatic environments.

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1608-5914
PublisherTAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2000 to 2024
AbbreviationAFR J AQUAT SCI / Afr. J. Aquat. Sci.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OR14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The African Journal of Aquatic Science is dedicated to advancing the understanding of aquatic ecosystems across the African continent. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary research that addresses both fundamental and applied aspects of aquatic sciences, particularly in regard to freshwater systems and their management.
  1. Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring:
    The journal focuses on studies that assess the quality of freshwater resources, utilizing various methodologies including physicochemical analysis, biological indicators, and innovative monitoring technologies.
  2. Biodiversity and Ecological Research:
    Research on aquatic biodiversity, including studies on species composition, community structure, and ecological interactions, forms a significant part of the journal's scope, highlighting the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems.
  3. Impact of Anthropogenic Activities:
    The journal explores how human activities, such as agriculture, urbanization, and industrial processes, affect aquatic ecosystems, providing insights into environmental stressors and their implications for ecosystem health.
  4. Conservation and Management Strategies:
    Papers addressing conservation strategies, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable management practices are central to the journal, aiming to inform policy and practice for the protection of aquatic environments.
  5. Innovative Research Methodologies:
    The journal encourages the use of cutting-edge research methodologies, including molecular techniques, remote sensing, and ecological modeling, to advance the field of aquatic science.
The African Journal of Aquatic Science has been evolving, with several emerging themes gaining prominence in recent publications. These trends reflect the current challenges and innovations within aquatic science research.
  1. Microplastics and Pollution Studies:
    There is an increasing focus on the impact of microplastics and other pollutants on freshwater ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need to understand and mitigate these environmental hazards.
  2. Human Health and Aquatic Ecosystems:
    Research linking water quality and human health risks is on the rise, reflecting growing concerns about the safety of freshwater resources and their implications for public health.
  3. Climate Change Impact Assessments:
    Emerging studies are increasingly addressing the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the resilience and adaptability of these systems in the face of environmental change.
  4. Innovative Monitoring Techniques:
    The use of advanced monitoring technologies, such as wireless sensor networks and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, is becoming more prevalent, showcasing a trend towards more precise and efficient data collection methods.
  5. Ecosystem Services and Social-Ecological Systems:
    Research exploring the relationship between aquatic ecosystems and their social-ecological contexts is gaining traction, emphasizing the importance of ecosystem services in sustainable management practices.

Declining or Waning

While the African Journal of Aquatic Science has a robust focus on aquatic research, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This section highlights areas that appear to be declining in relevance or frequency.
  1. Traditional Aquaculture Studies:
    Research specifically focused on traditional aquaculture practices has diminished, possibly due to a shift towards more innovative and sustainable aquaculture technologies and practices.
  2. Invasive Species Management:
    Although still relevant, the frequency of papers solely dedicated to invasive species management has waned, indicating a potential shift towards broader ecological and conservation themes.
  3. Historical Limnology Studies:
    There has been a decline in historical studies of limnology, suggesting that contemporary issues such as climate change and pollution are now taking precedence over historical analyses.
  4. Fishery Exploitation Studies:
    While fishery studies remain important, the specific focus on overfishing and exploitation rates is less frequent, as the journal appears to be moving towards broader ecosystem health assessments.
  5. Microbial Ecology in Aquatic Systems:
    Research on microbial ecology within aquatic systems has seen a decrease, possibly overshadowed by more significant research themes related to water quality and broader ecological interactions.

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