The Journal publishes STANDARD RESEARCH PAPERS on all aspects of the ecology of inland waters, including rivers and lakes, connected ground waters, flood plains and other wetlands. We accept studies of micro-organisms, algae, macrophytes, invertebrates, fish and other vertebrates, as well as those concerning whole ecosystems and related physical and chemical aspects of the environment. Studies may focus at any level in the ecological hierarchy from physiological ecology and animal behaviour, through population dynamics and evolutionary genetics, to community interactions and ecosystem functioning. They may also be at any scale, from microhabitat to landscape or biogeography. Preference is given to research, whether meta-analytical, experimental, theoretical or descriptive, that tests clearly stated hypotheses.
The special section on APPLIED ISSUES includes papers well grounded in ecological theory that deal with issues related to the conservation and management of inland waters in the face of a multitude of adverse human impacts. The Journal aims to publish good-quality applied science, papers interpreting fundamental research in a way that makes clear its applied or strategic relevance, and papers using applied research to test ecological theory. Applied papers that address broader ecological and socio-economic dimensions are also welcome.
Review articles (FRESHWATER BIOLOGY SPECIAL REVIEWS) and discussion papers (OPINION), whether basic or applied, are also invited: these enable authors to publish high-quality material outside the constraints of standard research papers. Finally, the journal will consider whole SPECIAL ISSUES (or part-issues) devoted to a theme of particular contemporary interest. These should be discussed at an early stage with the Associate Editor responsible for them (Professor Mark Gessner).
