JOURNAL OF FRESHWATER ECOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the pathways of freshwater ecosystem health.

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF FRESHWATER ECOLOGY information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of JOURNAL OF FRESHWATER ECOLOGY, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0270-5060
PublisherTAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1981 to 2024
AbbreviationJ FRESHWATER ECOL / J. Freshw. Ecol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Freshwater Ecology focuses on advancing the understanding of freshwater ecosystems through a multidisciplinary approach. It encompasses a wide range of topics in freshwater ecology, emphasizing the interactions between biotic and abiotic components and their implications for ecosystem health and management.
  1. Freshwater Biodiversity and Community Structure:
    Research on the diversity of freshwater organisms, including fish, macroinvertebrates, and phytoplankton, and their community dynamics in response to environmental changes.
  2. Ecosystem Function and Services:
    Studies examining the roles of freshwater ecosystems in providing services such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision, highlighting the ecological functions of different species.
  3. Impact of Anthropogenic Factors:
    Investigations into how human activities, such as pollution, habitat alteration, and climate change, affect freshwater ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
  4. Invasive Species and Management Strategies:
    Research focused on the ecological impacts of invasive species in freshwater systems and the development of management strategies to mitigate their effects.
  5. Ecological Monitoring and Assessment:
    Use of innovative methods, including environmental DNA (eDNA) and biogeochemical assessments, for monitoring freshwater ecosystems and assessing their health.
  6. Hydrological Dynamics and Water Quality:
    Studies exploring the relationships between hydrological changes, water quality parameters, and their effects on aquatic life and ecosystem function.
The Journal of Freshwater Ecology has been responsive to emerging ecological challenges and technological advancements. Recent publications reflect a growing emphasis on innovative methodologies and pressing environmental issues affecting freshwater ecosystems.
  1. Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications:
    A significant increase in studies utilizing eDNA for biodiversity assessments and monitoring has emerged, allowing for more efficient and comprehensive evaluations of freshwater communities.
  2. Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Systems:
    Research addressing the effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, including temperature effects, hydrological alterations, and species responses, has gained prominence.
  3. Eutrophication and Nutrient Management:
    There is a growing focus on the causes and management of eutrophication in freshwater systems, reflecting concerns over nutrient pollution and its ecological consequences.
  4. Restoration Ecology and Management Practices:
    Emerging themes include the restoration of degraded freshwater habitats and the effectiveness of various management practices aimed at enhancing ecosystem resilience.
  5. Interactions between Invasive Species and Native Biodiversity:
    Increased research on the complex interactions between invasive species and native communities, focusing on ecological impacts and management strategies.
  6. Microplastics and Pollutant Studies:
    An increasing trend towards investigating the effects of microplastics and other contaminants on freshwater ecosystems, reflecting global environmental concerns.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Freshwater Ecology has consistently addressed a variety of important topics, certain areas have shown a decline in research focus over recent years. This could reflect shifts in ecological priorities, funding availability, or emerging challenges in freshwater ecosystems.
  1. Traditional Aquatic Plant Studies:
    Research focusing solely on the taxonomy and morphology of aquatic plants has decreased, potentially due to a shift towards understanding their ecological roles and interactions within ecosystems.
  2. Static Models of Biodiversity:
    There has been a waning interest in traditional static models of biodiversity assessment. The journal now emphasizes dynamic, multifactorial approaches that consider temporal changes and interactions.
  3. Single-Species Management Approaches:
    Research concentrating on single-species management has become less prominent as the focus has shifted towards ecosystem-level management and understanding species interactions.
  4. Localized Studies without Broader Implications:
    Studies that do not connect local findings to broader ecological or management implications are appearing less frequently, indicating a trend towards more integrative research.
  5. Basic Water Quality Assessments:
    Basic assessments of water quality parameters, without deeper ecological analysis, are declining in favor of studies linking water quality to biological outcomes and ecosystem health.

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