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The Journal of Marine Environmental Policy & Governance (JMEPG) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing research, policy dialogue, and governance innovation related to marine and coastal environments. The journal provides a platform for high-quality scholarly work that examines how oceans, coasts, and marine resources are governed, managed, and protected across local, regional, and global contexts.

JMEPG publishes original research articles, review papers, policy analyses, and interdisciplinary studies that integrate environmental science, governance, law, social sciences, economics, and ethics. The journal places strong emphasis on applied research that informs decision-making, strengthens governance frameworks, and supports sustainable and equitable ocean stewardship.
 

The journal aligns with international sustainability priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), while maintaining a strong focus on the human, institutional, and policy dimensions of marine environmental challenges.

Aims and Scope

Core Focus Areas

Research topics considered by JMEPG include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Marine Environmental Governance & Policy

Studies examining the development, implementation, and effectiveness of marine environmental policies, regulatory frameworks, institutional arrangements, and governance mechanisms at multiple scales.
 

2. Fisheries Policy, Management & Compliance

Research addressing fisheries governance, small-scale and commercial fisheries, fisher ecological knowledge, compliance and enforcement, co-management, rights-based fisheries, and socio-economic dimensions of resource use.
 

3. Marine Pollution & Plastics Governance

Work focused on marine debris, microplastics, chemical pollution, waste management systems, mitigation strategies, monitoring frameworks, and policy responses aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
 

4. Climate Change, Oceans & Coastal Resilience

Studies exploring climate impacts on marine and coastal systems, including adaptation strategies, vulnerability assessments, ocean-based climate solutions, and governance responses to climate risk.
 

5. Marine Protected Areas & Conservation Policy

Research evaluating the design, implementation, effectiveness, and social acceptance of marine protected areas (MPAs), including stakeholder engagement, compliance, and conservation outcomes.
 

6. Socio-Ecological Systems & Human Dimensions

Interdisciplinary studies examining the interactions between marine ecosystems and human communities, including livelihoods, cultural practices, equity, environmental justice, and coastal development.
 

7. Indigenous, Local & Traditional Knowledge

Contributions that integrate indigenous, local, or traditional ecological knowledge into marine governance, fisheries management, conservation planning, and policy development.
 

8. Ocean Economics & Sustainable Development

Research linking marine policy to the blue economy, ecosystem services, sustainable livelihoods, maritime industries, and inclusive economic growth.
 

9. Participatory & Community-Based Governance

Studies emphasizing participatory decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, co-production of knowledge, and community-led marine stewardship initiatives.
 

Article Types

JMEPG welcomes:

  • Original research articles

  • Review and synthesis papers

  • Policy and governance analyses

  • Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies

  • Comparative and international case studies

Case studies are encouraged where authors clearly demonstrate broader relevance beyond the local context.
 

Submission Expectations

All submissions should demonstrate:

  • Originality and novelty

  • Clear policy or governance relevance

  • Methodological rigor

  • Contribution to marine environmental knowledge or practice

Authors are requested to include a brief statement outlining the novelty, significance, and policy relevance of their work.
 

Special Issues

The journal welcomes proposals for Special Issues and Thematic Collections within the scope of marine environmental policy and governance. Proposals should outline the theme, relevance, and proposed guest editorial team. Detailed requirements are provided in the Guide for Authors.
 

Audience

JMEPG serves an international readership including:

  • Researchers and academics

  • Policymakers and regulators

  • Fisheries and marine managers

  • Conservation practitioners

  • NGOs and development organizations

  • Coastal community stakeholders

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