For Reviewers

Reviewer Responsibilities

• Treat manuscripts as confidential and do not share unpublished material.
• Provide objective, evidence-based assessments of scientific merit.
• Identify relevant literature that should be cited where appropriate.
• Report suspected ethical issues, including plagiarism or data concerns.
• Declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest promptly.
• Submit reviews within the agreed timeline or request an extension early.

Reviewer Eligibility

• Demonstrated expertise relevant to the manuscript subject area.
• Active research experience in fisheries, aquaculture, or related fields.
• A record of scholarly publication or equivalent professional expertise.
• Ability to provide constructive, independent peer review.

Review Criteria

• Originality and novelty of the research question
• Scientific quality and clarity of presentation
• Appropriateness of study design and methodology
• Data quality, analysis, and reproducibility
• Interpretation of results and conclusions
• Adequacy and relevance of citations
• Overall contribution to the field

Reviewer Ethics

• Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the peer-review process.
• Avoid personal criticism; focus comments on the work itself.
• Declare conflicts of interest and decline invitations when appropriate.
• Respect publication ethics and COPE-aligned journal standards.

Review Timeline

BJFR aims to provide authors with timely decisions while allowing reviewers sufficient time for a thorough evaluation.

Editorial Decisions

Reviewers may recommend one of the following outcomes to support the editorial decision:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

Reviewer Recognition

BJFR acknowledges reviewer contributions through recognition aligned with established journal practice:

• Certificate of Reviewing
• Annual Reviewer Recognition
• Editorial Board Consideration
• Publons / Web of Science Recognition (if applicable)
• Reviewer Board listing

Why Review for BJFR?

Peer review for BJFR supports rigorous scholarship in fisheries and aquatic sciences while strengthening the global research community.

• Contribute to high-quality, peer-reviewed research that informs sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Engage with current methods, datasets, and emerging questions in your specialist area.
• Receive professional acknowledgement for completed reviews and related recognition pathways.
• Support an open-access journal committed to ethical publishing and editorial integrity.
• Help authors improve clarity, reproducibility, and scientific contribution through constructive feedback.