Editorial 2025

Abstract

While reviewing the progress of the journal, we decided to require authors to state the significance of their findings for readers of EFF. Beyond having authors focus on the justification for submitting their research to EFF, this new requirement should aid editors and reviewers in evaluating submitted manuscripts. Manuscripts submitted without the statement will be returned to the authors for completion prior to editorial and peer review. The requirement is described below and in the Author Guidelines.

EFF publishes papers devoted to basic ecology of freshwater fishes, and EFF is strongly committed to conservation. We seek to publish important research revealing, testing, or supporting knowledge of phenomena without consideration given to applications of that knowledge. As a journal publishing pure, fundamental science, EFF is not a fisheries or management journal. Nonetheless, authors may wish to include a brief, concise statement about the implications of their research for ecological or environmental management aimed at conservation of fishes or their habitats without regard to human use, which can be done in concluding the discussion.

Where feasible authors are strongly encouraged to focus the title, abstract, and introduction of their reports on the phenomena studied by deemphasizing or excluding locality or taxon involved and detailing them in the methods. We understand, however, that there may be cases where including the region or taxon is appropriate.

EFF offers authors the option of free format submission for a simplified and streamlined submission process. Free format submission eases the process of preparing a manuscript and allows the author to complete the process faster. Authors may submit their manuscripts in the format of their choosing. EFF's publisher, Wiley, updates the formatting into the journal's style when a manuscript is accepted for publication.

Table 2 shows the papers cited most often in the two-year period (2021–2022) covered by Clarivate's Journal Citation Report for June 2023. We thank the authors for their contributions to the journal and congratulate them on their achievements.

EFF publishes special issues or contributions (special sections) drawn from proceedings of conferences and symposia. In the October 2024 issue (33:4), EFF published proceedings from the international symposium Advances in the Population Ecology of Stream-Dwelling Salmonids VI. We continue to seek special issues and contributions addressing basic fish ecology, as proceedings drawn from conferences or symposia, as well as independent, stand-alone publications. If you would like to propose an idea for a Special Issue in EFF, please contact the Editorial Office at [email protected].

The contributions of a journal to science are dependent upon the efforts of many. The Editorial Board members who help to maintain the integrity and rigour of the journal are especially important in the publication process. Reviewers who are chosen at large to assist in the process of evaluating submissions are integral to the journal's success. The Editorial Board for EFF is listed in Appendix A, and the reviewers for papers reviewed July 2023 through June 2024 are listed in Appendix B. We wish to share our deep appreciation to all those persons who have made the effort to assist the journal and their fellow scientists.

We seek to add additional scientists to the editorial board. Beyond helping to maintain the standards of scholarship for the journal, the editorial board provides suggestions to improve the journal and to maintain an effective database of reviewers. Members of our editorial board receive a complimentary online subscription to the journal. Appointments are subject to renewal, based on mutual agreement.

EFF intends to maintain equity, diversity, and inclusion on the editorial board, reflecting the international readership and the sub-disciplinary research published in the journal. Anyone interested in serving on the Editorial Board is encouraged to apply; we are especially focused on the geographical, gender, and research balance of the Board. EFF supports the development of early-career scientists; however, we encourage young investigators to consider carefully application to the Editorial Board prior to having reached tenure or its equivalent.

Those interested in serving on the Editorial Board should have had experience with the journal as author and/or reviewer. Application can be made by contacting the Editorial Office ([email protected]) with a statement of interest (including past involvement with EFF) and a curriculum vitae.

This editorial was written by David Heins, Editor-in-Chief, with the assistance of Jennifer Seward, Publisher. Senior Editors Keith Gido, Nuria Sanz Ball-Ilosera and Asbjorn Vollestad contributed to content and reviewed the manuscript.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.