About the Journal

The Journal of the Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy Development (JBESED) is an international, peer-reviewed journal publishing high-quality research on the sustainable use and management of aquatic resources and the development of clean energy systems. The journal provides a platform for original research, reviews, technical papers, case studies, methodological articles, and perspectives that address both global and region-specific challenges.

JBESED focuses on the interactions between marine and coastal ecosystems, economic activities, governance, technological innovation, and energy systems. Key themes include sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, maritime and coastal industries, marine and offshore renewable energy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem-based management.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), JBESED emphasises research from coastal and ocean-dependent regions, including the Global South and small island developing states. Through rigorous peer review, the journal aims to advance knowledge, inform policy, and support resilient and sustainable pathways for the blue economy and sustainable energy worldwide.

 

Aims and Scope

The Journal of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Energy Development publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed research that advances theoretical, empirical, and policy-relevant understanding of sustainable blue economy systems. The journal provides an interdisciplinary platform for research that examines the sustainable use, governance, and management of marine, coastal, and inland water resources, with the objective of supporting environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive development pathways.

The journal welcomes original research articles, review papers, and policy-oriented studies that integrate perspectives from environmental and marine sciences, economics, governance, engineering, and the social sciences to address complex sustainability challenges in ocean and aquatic systems.

The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

The Journal of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Energy Development (JBESED) is an international, peer-reviewed journal publishing high-quality research on the sustainable use, governance, and management of aquatic resources, as well as the development and deployment of clean and renewable energy systems. JBESED provides a platform for original research, reviews, technical papers, case studies, methodological contributions, and perspectives that address scientific, technological, policy, and socio-economic dimensions of the blue economy.

The journal covers a broad range of topics, including:

Cluster	Representative Keywords
Governance & Policy	Blue economy, governance arrangements, maritime law, policy coherence, institutional analysis
Ecosystem Management	Marine conservation, restoration, biodiversity, ecosystem services, ecosystem health
Pollution & Circular Economy	Marine pollution, plastics, nutrients, emerging contaminants, circular economy
Climate & Mitigation	Ocean-based mitigation, adaptation, nature-based solutions, blue carbon, carbon accounting
Fisheries & Aquaculture	Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture systems, seafood value chains, resource governance
Renewable Energy & Offshore Development	Marine renewable energy, low-carbon industries, offshore infrastructure
Coastal Infrastructure & Tourism	Ports, coastal infrastructure, maritime transport, coastal tourism
Socioeconomic & Community Dimensions	Livelihoods, equity, gender, social inclusion, indigenous knowledge, co-management
Finance & Economics	Blue finance, investment, economic incentives, inclusive ocean economy
Biotechnology & Digital Innovation	Marine biotechnology, bioinformatics, marine bioproducts, data-driven innovation, modelling

The journal places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research that bridges natural sciences, social sciences, economics, engineering, and policy studies. Particular attention is given to research from developing regions, small island developing states, and coastal communities, where blue economy strategies are closely linked to food security, employment, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

 

Article Types

Article Type	Definition	Typical Sections	Word Count (Approx.)
Research Article	Original study presenting new data, analysis, and findings. Considered the core of academic publishing.	Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References	3,000 – 8,000
Review Article	Summarises and synthesises existing research on a topic (may include systematic reviews/meta-analysis).	Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Discussion, Conclusion, References	4,000 – 10,000
Method Article	Describes new or improved research methods, tools, or techniques.	Abstract, Introduction, Method Description, Validation/Applications, Discussion, References	2,000 – 5,000
Case Study	In-depth analysis of a single case, event, or subject to explore broader implications.	Abstract, Introduction, Case Description, Analysis/Discussion, Conclusion, References	1,500 – 4,000
Brief Report	Short communication presenting preliminary or concise research findings.	Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, References	1,000 – 2,500
Policy Brief	Concise document providing research-based recommendations for policy or decision-making.	Executive Summary, Background, Key Findings, Recommendations, Conclusion	1,000 – 3,000
Opinion Article	Author’s perspective or argument on a topic, often based on experience or interpretation.	Introduction, Argument/Discussion, Conclusion	800 – 2,000
Editorial	Short piece written by editors or invited experts to provide insight or commentary on an issue or publication.	Introduction, Commentary, Conclusion	500 – 1,500
Correspondence	Letter to the editor commenting on published work or raising brief issues.	Main Message/Commentary, References (if any)	300 – 1,000

 

Mission

The mission of the journal is to promote scientific research and technological innovation that supports sustainable ocean economies and environmentally responsible energy solutions, contributing to global efforts toward sustainable development and climate resilience.

Target Audience

The journal serves researchers and professionals in fields such as:

• Marine engineering

• Oceanography

• Environmental science

• Renewable energy engineering

• Maritime economics and policy

• Coastal resource management