Authors submitting to a special issue should review the thematic scope and follow IJLI submission standards. Special issues follow the same peer review and production workflow as regular submissions.

Early alignment with the special issue theme helps guest editors maintain coherence across the collection and ensures timely review outcomes.

• Confirm scope fit with the special issue theme
• Prepare data and code availability statements
• Document sampling schedules and parameter definitions
• Ensure figures and tables are publication ready
• Prepare a cover letter referencing the special issue

Guest editors provide thematic oversight and may request adjustments to improve alignment with the issue focus. Respond promptly to queries and provide clear explanations for any scope considerations.

If your submission includes multi site data or watershed evaluations, clarify coordination across partners and describe how outcomes were harmonized.

Clearly and explicitly indicate the special issue title in the cover letter and manuscript metadata. This helps editors route the submission to the correct guest editor team.

All special issue submissions undergo initial screening for scope fit, ethical compliance, and data transparency. Submissions that do not align with the theme may be redirected to the regular journal track.

Ensure permits and approvals are stated clearly, particularly for field sampling or protected locations. If the study includes contaminant monitoring, describe detection methods and reporting pathways.

Provide clear data availability statements and specify any restrictions that may apply to environmental datasets.

• Align your abstract with the stated theme
• Highlight management or policy relevance
• Provide clear watershed context
• Include data availability details for rapid screening

If you are unsure about scope fit or submission routing, contact [email protected]. The editorial office can advise on whether the special issue is the best fit for your manuscript.

Early questions help avoid misrouted submissions.

Include the special issue title in your inquiry for faster response.

Special issue submissions may receive focused requests to improve alignment with the thematic goals. Clear, point by point responses to reviewer feedback help maintain timely publication schedules.

Include a marked up version when requested to speed review.

Before final acceptance, confirm that figures, tables, and supplementary files are complete and properly labeled. Accurate metadata and clean files reduce production delays.

Ensure that any registry identifiers and data repository links are included in the manuscript metadata fields.

Consistent file naming supports faster production checks.

Verify author affiliations for accuracy.

IJLI is committed to rigorous, transparent publishing in limnology and freshwater science. We emphasize reproducible field and laboratory methods, clear reporting of water quality and ecological outcomes, and ethical compliance across all article types.

The editorial office supports authors, editors, and reviewers with clear guidance and responsive communication. For questions about scope or workflow, contact [email protected].

We encourage continuous improvement in reporting practices and share updates that help the community maintain high standards in freshwater ecology, hydrology, and environmental stewardship.