Focus and Scope

This open access peer-reviewed Journal has been established to publish short communications and scientific papers on matters of importance to the conservation and management of whales, dolphins and porpoises, and in particular papers that are relevant to the tasks of the IWC Scientific Committee. These will include papers on:

- population assessment and trends

- population dynamics

- population biology

- taxonomy

- risk averse management strategies

- direct and indirect exploitation

- environmental changes and threats in the context of cetaceans

- scientific aspects of whale watching and sanctuaries

We also publish short communications which present original and significant material usually limited to a single finding, interesting observation or an important technical/methodological advance. 

Its aim is to publish high quality original papers that advance scientific knowledge significantly and that can contribute to the conservation and management of cetacean species.

Peer Review Process

Submitted manuscripts will be sent by the Editor to two reviewers (chosen by the Editor), who are given the option of remaining anonymous. Their comments will then be made available to the author. The author will be invited to submit a revised version which incorporates the comments, or a written explanation of why they consider them to be invalid. On the basis of this, the paper will be either accepted or rejected for publication. In the event that two reviewers disagree, a third reviewer may be consulted. The decision of the Editor (where necessary, in consultation with the Editorial Board), is final.

Publication Frequency

Accepted articles will be published online as soon as ready. Articles published within a calendar year will be collated into a sequentially number issue.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The journal has no article submission charges or article processing charges.

Users have the right to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full text of articles in this journal, and to use them for any other lawful purpose.

The Journal has been fully open access since it was first available online in 2003.

Journal archiving

The journal is included in the PKP Private LOCKSS Network.

Plagiarism screening

The journal uses Similarity Check, a plagiarism screening service.