MEPS

Marine Ecology Progress Series

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

MEPS Home Latest Volume About MEPS Editorial Board

MEPS is a leading hybrid research journal on all aspects of marine, coastal and estuarine ecology. Priority is given to outstanding research that advances our ecological understanding.

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps

Impact Factor2.1 (JCR 2025 release)

Article Acceptance Rate52.2% (2024)

Average Time in Review216 days (2024)

Total Annual Downloads2.948.800 (2025)

MEPS Theme Sections

Theme Sections are integrated multi-author analyses and syntheses initiated and coordinated by acknowledged experts. They highlight cutting-edge research areas or problems.

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Theme Section No. 67published in MEPS Vol. 741, Jul 30, 2024

Editors: Myron Peck, Ignacio Catalán, Susana Garrido, Ryan Rykaczewski, Rebecca Asch, Jan McDowell, Elliott Hazen, Isaak Kaplan

Organizers/Symposium conveners: Myron Peck, Ignacio Catalán, Susana Garrido, Ryan Rykaczewski, Akinori Takasuka

Small pelagic fish: new research frontiers

A pair of hands grabbing small fish from a basket.

Theme Section No. 66published in MEPS Vol. 737, Jun 06, 2024

Organizers: John F. Piatt, William J. Sydeman, Peter Dann, Bradley C. Congdon

Editors: John F. Piatt, Robert M. Suryan, William J. Sydeman, Mayumi L. Arimitsu, Sarah Ann Thompson, Rory P. Wilson, Kyle H. Elliott

How do marine heatwaves impact seabirds?

Graphical network displaying how heated oceans change the quality of plankton, which influences harmful algal blooms, increases metabolic rates and reduces the quality and amount of forage fish. These latter three again fluence both fish, create stock crashes and reduced body conditions as well as whale mortality evens and decreased birth rates, and also seabird die-offs and breeding failure.

Theme Section No. 65published in MEPS Vol. 731, Mar 13, 2024

Organizers: Audrey Darnaude, Federica Costantini, Ewan Hunter, Yael Teff-Seker, Myron Peck

Editors: Audrey Darnaude, Susanne E. Tanner, Maria Beger, Oscar Gaggiotti, Alejandro Gallego, Ewan Hunter, Pei-Yuan Qian, Myron Peck

Marine functional connectivity: a rich, multidisciplinary emerging field of research

Graphical depiction of the Earth with ocean currents. On the left side of the planet are small icons of DNA, forage fish, a coral, an octopus, a sea star, a mussel, a copepod and some plankton shown. The right-hand side shows otoliths in a circle linked to tuna fish and next to this are a whale, a turtle, a shark and two measuring buoys anchored to a stylistic sea floor.

Theme Section No. 64published in MEPS Vol. 728, Feb 08, 2024

Organizers: Andrea Anton, Eugenia Apostolaki, Marlene Wesselmann

Editors: Andrea Anton, Amanda E. Bates, Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Graeme Hays, Inna M. Sokolova, Cascade J. B. Sorte, Paul Snelgrove

Species range shifts, biological invasions and ocean warming

Theme Section No. 63published in MEPS Vol. 723, Nov 23, 2023

Organizers: Richard Phillips, Lesley H. Thorne, Thomas A. Clay

Editors: Thomas A. Clay, Richard Phillips, Lesley H. Thorne, Rory P. Wilson

Wind and weather effects on seabird foraging, movement and energetics

Theme Section No. 62published in MEPS Vol. 680, Dec 09, 2021

Organizers: Solfrid Sætre Hjøllo, Marie Maar, Sonja M. van Leeuwen
Editors: Aaron Adamack, Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi, Alejandro Gallego, Myron A. Peck, Corinna Schrum, Ingrid van Putten, Brian Wells

Advancing dynamic modelling of marine populations and ecosystems

Graphic showing the interactions between different models. Hydrodynamic models influence both higher and lower trophic level models which both interact with each other as well as human dimensions.

Theme Section No. 61published in MEPS Vol. 676, Oct 14, 2021

Organizers: Hallvard Strøm, Sébastien Descamps, Per Fauchald, Børge Moe, Morten Ekker
Editors: Kyle H. Elliott, Samantha Patrick, Steve Votier, Rory P. Wilson

Non-breeding distribution and movements of North Atlantic seabirds

Seagulls seen flying in the sky with their beaks open.

Theme Section No. 60published in MEPS Vol. 656, Dec 10, 2020

Organizer: Bayden D. Russell
Editors: Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi, Yun-wei Dong, Laura J. Falkenberg, Bayden D. Russell, Myron A. Peck

The ecology of temperate reefs in a changing world

Photograph of rocky shore line (right-hand side) with sargassum floating in the water as well as partially exposed on the shore.

Theme Section No. 59published in MEPS Vol. 650, Sep 17, 2020

Editors: R. G. Asch, I. A. Catalán, J. Davis, S. Garrido, F. Mueter, P. Olivar, M. Peck

Organizers: I. A. Catalán, P. Reglero, I. Álvarez

Latest advances in research on fish early life stages

Composite image with black background showing: a jelly fish, a ctenophore, a fish larvae and a copepod.

Theme Section No. 58published in MEPS Vol. 617-618, May 16, 2019

Editors: J. Alheit, A. Bertrand, R. D. Brodeur, S. Garrido, M. A. Peck, M. Quaas, D. Reid, D. Robert, S. Somarakis, A. Takasuka, O. Thébaud, V. Trenkel

Organizers: J. Alheit, M. A. Peck

Drivers of dynamics small pelagic fish resources: biology, management and human factors

Fish being hauled on board a trawler in a fishing net.

Theme Section No. 57published in MEPS Vol. 598, Jun 28, 2018

Editors: Y. Cherel, S. Somarakis, S. R. Wing

Organizers: E. Hunter, V. V. Laptikhovsky, P. R. Hollyman

Innovative use of sclerochronology in marine resource management

Microscopic composite image of statoliths.

Theme Section No. 56published in MEPS Vol. 593, Apr 12, 2018

Editors: K. Elliott, R. Wilson

Idea: G. L. Hunt Jr, A. S. Kitaysky

Seabird responses to a changing Bering Sea

One seagull and two thick-billed murres, both with fish in their mouth, on a rocky outcrop.

Theme Section No. 55published in MEPS Vol. 591, Mar 19, 2018

Editors: R. Condon, J. Costello, V. Fuentes, F. Lombard, C. Lucas, J. Purcell, K. Sutherland

Jellyfish bloom research: advances and challenges

Underwater drawing with different types of jellyfish being shown throughout the water column.

Theme Section No. 54published in MEPS Vol. 578, Aug 31, 2017

Editors: J. González-Solís, R. A. Phillips, F. Daunt, S. Lewis, R. P. Wilson

Individual variability in seabird foraging and migration

Satellite image with land on the right, ocean on the left and bird tracks superimposed.

Theme Section No. 53published in MEPS Vol. 576, Aug 03, 2017

Editors: C. H. Peterson, S. Powers, J. Cebrian, K. Heck

Response of nearshore ecosystems to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Aerial photograph of a nearshore oilspill being contained by barriers and people on board boats.

Theme Section No. 52published in MEPS Vol. 558, Oct 25, 2016

Editors: M. Hixon, S. Green, M. Albins, I. Nagelkerken, T. McClanahan, C. Birkeland

Invasion of Atlantic coastal ecosystems by Pacific lionfish

Pacific lionfish swimming mid-water looking at the camera.

Theme Section No. 51published in MEPS Vol. 530, Jun 18, 2015

Editors: U. R. Sumaila, K. I. Stergiou

Economics of marine conservation Theme Section No. 50published in MEPS Vol. 512, Oct 09, 2014

Editors: S. Libralato, F. Pranovi, K. Stergiou, J. Link

Trophodynamics in marine ecology Theme Section No. 49published in MEPS Vol. 510, Sep 09, 2014

Editors: R. H. Condon, C. H. Lucas, K. A. Pitt, S. I. Uye

Jellyfish blooms and ecological interactions Theme Section No. 48published in MEPS Vol. 496, Jan 27, 2014

Editors: G. T. Crossin, S. J. Cooke, J. A. Goldbogen R. A. Phillips

Tracking fitness in marine vertebrates Theme Section No. 47published in MEPS Vol. 487, Jul 30, 2013

Editors: E. L. Hazen, S. J. Bograd, R. M. Suryan, Y. Watanuki, R. P. Wilson

Biophysical coupling of marine hotspots Theme Section No. 46published in MEPS Vol. 480, Apr 22, 2013

Editors: J. M. Durant, N. C. Stenseth

Harvested fish stocks in a changing environment Theme Section No. 45published in MEPS Vol. 470, Dec 06, 2012

Editors: P. W. Boyd, D. A. Hutchins

Biological responses in an anthropogenically modified ocean Theme Section No. 44published in MEPS Vol. 469, Nov 26, 2012

Editors: E. G. Dawe, F. Mueter, O. Palsson

Effects of climate and predation on subarctic crustacean populations Theme Section No. 43published in MEPS Vol. 459, Jul 12, 2012

Editors: A. Bundy, J. Link, T. Miller, E. Moksness, K. Stergiou

Comparative analysis of marine fisheries production Theme Section No. 42published in MEPS Vol. 457, Jun 21, 2012

Editors: G. Shillinger, E. L. Hazen, H. Bailey, S. J. Bograd, B. J. Godley, R. P. Wilson, P. Gaspar, M. Hamann, J. Spotila

Tagging through the stages: ontogeny in biologging Theme Section No. 41published in MEPS Vol. 454, May 21, 2012

Editors: W. J. Sydeman, A. Kitaysky

Seabirds and climate change Theme Section No. 40published in MEPS Vol. 451, Apr 11, 2012

Editors: G. L. Hunt Jr., R. P. Wilson

Technological innovation in marine ornithology Theme Section No. 39published in MEPS Vol. 448, Feb 23, 2012

Editors: R. J. Orth, K. J. McGlathery, K. L. Heck Jr.

Eelgrass recovery induces state changes in a coastal bay system Theme Section No. 38published in MEPS Vol. 434, Jul 28, 2011

Editors: D. M. Paterson, N. D. Hanley, K. Black, E. C. Defew, M. Solan

Biodiversity, ecosystems and coastal zone management: Linking science and policy Theme Section No. 37published in MEPS Vol. 430, May 26, 2011

Editors: M. J. Kaiser, M. T. Burrows, H. Hughes

Evolution and ecology of marine biodiversity: mechanisms and dynamics Theme Section No. 36published in MEPS Vol. 427, Apr 12, 2011

Editors: S. Pittman, R. Kneib, C. Simenstad, I. Nagelkerken

Seascape ecology: Application of landscape ecology to marine environments Theme Section No. 35published in MEPS Vol. 413, Aug 26, 2010

Editors: R. W. Osman, P. Munguia, R. N. Zajac

Threshold dynamics in marine coastal systems Theme Section No. 34published in MEPS Vol. 397, Dec 17, 2009

Idea: K. Miller

Coordination: K. Miller, D. Tracey, H. Neil

Conservation and management of deep-sea corals and coral reefs Theme Section No. 33published in MEPS Vol. 396, Dec 09, 2009

Idea: Martin Solan

Coordination: Martin Solan, Pim van Avesaath, Herman Hummel, Carlo Heip

Marine biodiversity: current understanding and future research Theme Section No. 32published in MEPS Vol. 395, Dec 03, 2009

Idea: Howard I. Browman

Coordination: Brandon Southall, Douglas Nowacek

Acoustics in marine ecology Theme Section No. 31published in MEPS Vol. 393, Oct 30, 2009

Idea and Coordination: William J. Sydeman

Marine ecosystems, climate and phenology: impacts on top predators Theme Section No. 30published in MEPS Vol. 391, Sep 28, 2009

Idea and Coordination: Jacob Gonzáles-Solís, Scott A. Shaffer

Spatiotemporal dynamics of seabirds in the marine environment Theme Section No. 29published in MEPS Vol. 382, Apr 30, 2009

Idea and coordination: P. J. Somerfield, C. Arvanitidis, E. Vanden Berghe

Large-scale studies of the European benthos: the MacroBen database Theme Section No. 28published in MEPS Vol. 373, Dec 23, 2008

Idea: Howard I. Browman

Coordination: Alain F. Vézina, Ova Hoegh-Guldberg

Effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems Theme Section No. 27published in MEPS Vol. 364, Jul 29, 2008

Idea: Howard I. Browman

Coordination: Alain F. Vézina, Ova Hoegh-Guldberg

Implications of large-scale iron fertilization of the oceans Theme Section No. 26published in MEPS Vol. 352, Dec 20, 2007

Idea: John F. Piatt, William J. Sydeman

Coordination: William J. Sydeman, John F. Piatt, Howard I. Browman

Seabirds as indicators of marine ecosystems Theme Section No. 25published in MEPS Vol. 350, Nov 22, 2007

Idea and coordination: N. J. King, D. M. Bailey, I. G. Priede, H. I. Browman

Role of scavengers in marine ecosystems Theme Section No. 24published in MEPS Vol. 347, Oct 11, 2007

Idea and coordination: A. Gallego, E. W. North, P. Petitgas, H. I. Browman

Advances in modelling physical-biological interactions in fish early life history Theme Section No. 23published in MEPS Vol. 335, Apr 16, 2007

Idea and coordination: C. T. Marshall, H. I. Browman

Disentangling the causes of maturation trends in exploited fish populations Theme Section No. 22published in MEPS Vol. 332, Mar 05, 2007

Idea and coordination: S. C. Johnson, H. I. Browman

Introducing genomics, proteomics and metabolomics in marine ecology Theme Section No. 21published in MEPS Vol. 316, Jul 03, 2006

Idea and coordination: M. J. Costello, E. Vanden Berghe, H. I. Browman

Ocean biodiversity informatics (OBI)Theme Section No. 20published in MEPS Vol. 311, Apr 18, 2006

Idea and coordination: M. Solan, D. G. Raffaelli, D. M. Paterson, P. C. L. White, G. J. Pierce

Marine biodiversity and ecosystem function: empirical approaches and future research needs Theme Section No. 19published in MEPS Vol. 304, Dec 08, 2005

Idea and coordination: KI Stergiou, Hi Browman

Bridging the gap between aquatic and terrestrial ecology Theme Section No. 18published in MEPS Vol. 300, Sep 16, 2005

Idea and coordination: H. I. Browman, K. I. Stergiou

Politics and socio-economics of ecosystem-based management of marine resources Theme Section No. 17published in MEPS Vol. 287, Feb 18, 2005

Idea and coordination: M. J. Weissburg, H. I. Browman

Sensory biology: linking the internal and external ecologies of marine organisms

Theme Section No. 16published in MEPS Vol. 277, Aug 16, 2004

Idea and coordination: H. U. Riisgård

Peer review: journal articles versus research proposals Theme Section No. 15published in MEPS Vol. 274, Jun 24, 2004

Idea and coordination: H. I. Browman, K. I. Stergiou

Perspectives on ecosystem-based approaches to the management of marine resources Theme Section No. 14published in MEPS Vol. 273, Jun 08, 2004

Coordination: A. Belgrano

Emergent properties of complex marine systems: a macroecological perspective Theme Section No. 13published in MEPS Vol. 270, Apr 14, 2004

Idea and coordination: H. I. Browman, D. S. Kirby

Quality in science publishing Theme Section No. 12published in MEPS Vol. 264, Dec 15, 2003

Coordination: C. H. Peterson, R. T. Kneib

Restoration scaling in the marine environment Theme Section No. 11published in MEPS Vol. 258, Aug 29, 2003

Idea and coordination: H. U. Riisgård

Misuse of the peer review system: time for countermeasures?Theme Section No. 10published in MEPS Vol. 241, Oct 04, 2002

Coordination: C. H. Peterson

Nearshore vertebrate predators: constraints to recovery from oil pollution Theme Section No. 9published in MEPS Vol. 239, Aug 23, 2002

Coordination: G. Hempel, C. Richter

The Red Sea Programme Theme Section No. 8published in MEPS Vol. 222, Nov 05, 2001

Marine Zooplankton Colloquium 2

Future marine zooplankton research - a perspective Theme Section No. 7published in MEPS Vol. 211, Feb 14, 2001

Coordination: Giere O

Contributors: Giere O, Boero F, Bonsdorff E, Fenchel T, Heip C, Herman P, Middelburg J, Liebezeit G

Who needs symposium proceedings?Theme Section No. 6published in MEPS Vol. 208, Dec 08, 2000

Idea and coordination: H. I. Browman

'Evolution' of fisheries science Theme Section No. 5published in MEPS Vol. 207, Nov 22, 2000

Idea and coordination: J. R. Pawlik

Marine Chemical Ecology Theme Section No. 4published in MEPS Vol. 192, Jan 31, 2000

Idea and coordination: H. U. Riisgård

The peer-review system: time for re-assessment?Theme Section No. 3published in MEPS Vol. 191, Dec 30, 1999

Idea and coordination: H. I. Browman

Negative results Theme Section No. 2published in MEPS Vol. 139, Aug 29, 1996

Idea and Coordination: H. I. Browman

Predator-prey interactions in the sea: commentaries on the role of turbulence Theme Section No. 1published in MEPS Vol. 128, Nov 23, 1995

Idea and Coordination: H. I. Browman

Commentaries on current research trends in recruitment studies

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