A new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of scientific publishing in aquaculture has been introduced by the journal Aquaculture International. The publication has implemented an author pre-screening checklist designed to help ensure that submitted manuscripts meet essential requirements before entering the full peer review process.
The checklist is intended to guide authors in preparing their submissions more effectively, reducing the likelihood of early rejection due to formatting, scope, or structural issues. By addressing common shortcomings at the initial stage, the journal aims to streamline editorial workflows and enable reviewers to focus on scientifically robust and relevant studies.
Daniel Merrifield, Editor-in-Chief of Aquaculture International, and Editorial Board Chair of International Aquafeed, said “A relatively small number of recurring issues have a disproportionate impact on both the likelihood of acceptance and the overall quality of published papers. These same issues also place a significant and avoidable burden on editors and reviewers. In many cases, they relate to transparency and the adequacy of experimental design. To address this, we have introduced a pre-submission checklist that aims to identify these concerns earlier in the process, improving clarity for authors and strengthening outcomes for readers, reviewers and the editorial team.”
Pre-screening by the authors is a standard practice across academic publishing; however, the introduction of a formalised checklist represents a novel step towards strengthening quality control and transparency in research dissemination. It may also help reduce review times and improve overall submission standards within the aquaculture research community.
While primarily relevant to researchers and academic authors, the move highlights ongoing efforts within the sector to enhance the reliability and clarity of published findings. As aquaculture continues to expand globally, maintaining high standards in scientific communication remains an important priority for both academia and industry stakeholders.
