Aims and Scope of the Aquatic Invertebrates and Ecosystem Research

The Aquatic Invertebrates and Ecosystem Research, a publication of Genesis Publishing Consortium Limited (GPCL), is dedicated to advancing the understanding of aquatic invertebrate biology, ecology, conservation, and management. The journal serves as a platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners to disseminate high-quality research findings, methodologies, and insights related to aquatic invertebrates and their habitats. The overarching aims and scope of the journal are to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas among scientists and professionals working in various disciplines, including marine biology, freshwater ecology, limnology, oceanography, and conservation biology. The aims and scope of the journal encompasses, but is not limited to, the following areas:

Taxonomy and systematics: Research on the identification, classification, and phylogenetic relationships of aquatic invertebrates, including descriptions of new species, revisions of taxa, and updates to existing taxonomic frameworks.

Ecology and behavior: Investigations into the ecological roles, behavioral patterns, life history strategies, and interactions of aquatic invertebrates within aquatic ecosystems, including feeding habits, reproduction, dispersal, and predator-prey dynamics.

Physiology and adaptations: Studies on the physiological adaptations of aquatic invertebrates to their environments, including responses to temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and other abiotic factors, as well as physiological mechanisms for osmoregulation, respiration, and locomotion.

Habitat preferences and distribution: Research on the habitat preferences, spatial distribution patterns, and habitat requirements of aquatic invertebrates in various aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, estuaries, wetlands, and marine ecosystems.

Biodiversity and conservation: Assessments of aquatic invertebrate biodiversity, species richness, and community composition, as well as studies on the conservation status, threats, and conservation measures for endangered, threatened, or vulnerable species and their habitats.

Ecological interactions: Investigations into the ecological interactions between aquatic invertebrates and other organisms, including symbiotic relationships, competition, predation, parasitism, and the role of invertebrates in ecosystem functioning and trophic dynamics.

Pollution and environmental health: Studies on the impacts of pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, invasive species, and other anthropogenic disturbances on aquatic invertebrate communities and their implications for ecosystem health and water quality.

Monitoring and assessment: Development and application of monitoring protocols, biomonitoring techniques, and ecological indicators for assessing the ecological condition, health, and integrity of aquatic ecosystems based on the presence, abundance, and diversity of aquatic invertebrates.

Management and restoration: Research on management strategies, restoration approaches, and conservation interventions aimed at preserving and enhancing aquatic invertebrate habitats, populations, and biodiversity in both natural and anthropogenically altered environments.

Aquatic invertebrate economy: Exploration of the economic importance of aquatic invertebrates in various industries, including aquaculture, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Analysis of ecosystem services provided by invertebrates, such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and food web support.

Evolutionary ecology: Research focusing on the evolutionary processes, adaptation mechanisms, and genetic diversity of aquatic invertebrates, including evolutionary responses to environmental change, speciation events, and the role of genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection in shaping invertebrate populations.

Biogeography and dispersal: Studies on the biogeographic patterns, dispersal mechanisms, and colonization dynamics of aquatic invertebrates, including investigations into historical biogeography, dispersal limitations, biotic interactions, and the role of environmental factors in shaping species distributions.

Trophic interactions and food webs: Investigations into the trophic interactions, trophic dynamics, and energy flow pathways involving aquatic invertebrates, including their roles as primary consumers, predators, detritivores, and ecosystem engineers in aquatic food webs and energy transfer processes.

Reproductive biology and life history strategies: Research on the reproductive biology, mating systems, reproductive strategies, and life history traits of aquatic invertebrates, including studies on reproductive behaviors, reproductive cycles, larval development, and dispersal strategies.

Ecotoxicology and contaminant bioaccumulation: Studies on the effects of pollutants, contaminants, and environmental stressors on aquatic invertebrates, including assessments of toxicity, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and the sublethal effects of pollutants on invertebrate physiology, behavior, and population dynamics.

Climate change impacts and resilience: Research on the impacts of climate change on aquatic invertebrates and their habitats, including studies on phenological shifts, distributional changes, physiological responses, and adaptive strategies of invertebrates to changing environmental conditions.

Invasive species ecology and management: Investigations into the ecology, impacts, and management strategies of invasive aquatic invertebrates, including studies on the ecological consequences of invasions, invasion pathways, spread mechanisms, and control measures for invasive species.

Citizen science and community engagement: Exploration of citizen science initiatives, community-based monitoring programs, and participatory research approaches involving public engagement in the study, conservation, and management of aquatic invertebrates and their habitats.

Molecular ecology and genomics: Research on the application of molecular techniques, genomic tools, and DNA barcoding methods for studying the population genetics, phylogeography, phylogenetics, and molecular ecology of aquatic invertebrates.

Restoration ecology and habitat enhancement: Studies on restoration ecology techniques, habitat enhancement strategies, and ecosystem-based approaches for rehabilitating degraded aquatic habitats, including the reintroduction of native species, habitat creation, and ecosystem restoration projects.

Socio-ecological systems and stakeholder engagement: Investigations into the interactions between human communities and aquatic invertebrate ecosystems, including studies on traditional ecological knowledge, local ecological practices, and the integration of social and ecological perspectives in aquatic conservation and management.

Interdisciplinary approaches and synthesis studies: Promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations, synthesis studies, and meta-analyses that integrate data, concepts, and methodologies from multiple disciplines to address complex research questions and inform evidence-based decision-making in aquatic invertebrate science and management.

Emerging challenges and future directions: Exploration of emerging challenges, research gaps, and future directions in the study of aquatic invertebrates, including the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative solutions to address pressing conservation and management issues.

The Aquatic Invertebrates and Ecosystem Research welcomes original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and short communications that contribute to advancing knowledge and understanding of aquatic invertebrates and their roles in aquatic ecosystems. The journal encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and welcomes submissions from researchers, academics, and practitioners worldwide. By providing a platform for the dissemination of scientific research and promoting dialogue among scientists, the journal aims to support the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic invertebrates and their habitats for future generations.