Instructions for Authors

Comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting manuscripts to IMSJ.

Original research articles should follow the standard IMRAD structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion) appropriate for marine science reporting. Each section serves a specific purpose in communicating your research effectively.

Results: Present findings objectively using text, tables, and figures. Avoid interpretation in this section. Report statistical outcomes including effect sizes and confidence intervals where applicable.

Discussion: Interpret results in context of existing marine science literature. Address how findings advance understanding, acknowledge limitations, and suggest future research directions. Avoid repeating results.

• Number figures consecutively as mentioned in text (Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.)
• Provide descriptive captions explaining content without requiring reference to main text
• Include scale bars for microscopy and photography where appropriate
• Use consistent formatting for multi-panel figures (a, b, c labeling)
• Ensure all text within figures is legible at publication size

Tables: Create tables using word processor table function, not embedded images. Include descriptive titles and define all abbreviations. Number consecutively as Table 1, Table 2, etc.

IMSJ follows the APA citation style. Ensure all citations in text appear in the reference list and vice versa. DOIs should be included for all references where available. Examples:

• Journal article: Smith, J. A., & Wong, L. (2023). Coral reef recovery following bleaching events. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 456, 123-135. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxx
• Book chapter: Johnson, P. (2022). Deep-sea sampling methods. In R. Brown (Ed.), Marine Research Techniques (pp. 45-67). Academic Press.
• Online source: NOAA. (2024). Ocean temperature data. Retrieved from https://www.noaa.gov

Research involving protected species, marine protected areas, or sensitive habitats requires appropriate permits. Include permit numbers and issuing authorities in the Methods section. Studies in international waters should demonstrate compliance with applicable conventions.

Human subjects research requires institutional ethics approval and informed consent. Animal research must comply with institutional animal care guidelines. Declare all conflicts of interest and funding sources.

IMSJ encourages data sharing to support reproducibility. Authors should provide a Data Availability Statement indicating where data supporting findings can be accessed. Acceptable repositories include Dryad, Figshare, Zenodo, and specialized marine data archives such as PANGAEA.

Additional data, extended methods, or supporting figures not essential for main text may be submitted as supplementary materials. These undergo peer review alongside the main manuscript and are published online with the article.

Include a cover letter with submissions explaining the significance of your marine research, confirming the manuscript has not been submitted elsewhere, and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest. Suggest appropriate reviewers with expertise in your research area if possible.

Submissions undergo initial editorial screening for scope and quality before external peer review. Manuscripts are evaluated by 2-3 reviewers with relevant marine science expertise. Authors receive reviewer comments and editor recommendations, with opportunities for revision before final decisions.

Manuscripts must be written in clear, grammatical English. Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to have their manuscripts reviewed by a native English speaker or professional editing service before submission. Poor language quality may result in manuscript return without review.

Corresponding authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the research. This includes funding sources, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or paid expert testimony. Conflict-free declarations are also required. All disclosures appear in the published article to maintain transparency.

IMSJ requires a contributor statement detailing each author role using CRediT taxonomy where applicable. Contributions may include conceptualization, methodology, investigation, data curation, writing, visualization, supervision, project administration, and funding acquisition. All listed authors must meet ICMJE authorship criteria.

Authors receiving revision requests should address all reviewer and editor comments systematically in a point-by-point response document. Clearly indicate changes made in the revised manuscript using track changes or highlighting. Explain any disagreements with reviewer suggestions with scientific justification. Revisions are typically expected within 60 days of decision, though extensions can be requested for complex revisions requiring additional experimentation or analysis.

IMSJ welcomes submissions that have been posted as preprints on recognized servers such as EarthArXiv, ESSOAr, or bioRxiv. Preprint posting does not constitute prior publication and does not affect manuscript consideration. Authors should update preprints with links to the published version upon acceptance to maintain accurate scholarly records.

Authors needing assistance with manuscript formatting may request support from our editorial office or use our language editing services. Manuscripts substantially deviating from formatting requirements may be returned for correction before peer review, potentially delaying evaluation of your marine research contributions.