Editorial Guidelines for Authors and Contributors

1. What is SONAR?

SONAR is a science communication platform that connects scientific knowledge with society by showcasing research, projects, innovations, experiences, and perspectives related to the oceans and coastal and marine areas.

We aim to make this knowledge accessible to diverse audiences through rigorous, clear, engaging, and relevant content that helps people learn about the oceans, understand their challenges, and recognize the initiatives working toward their sustainability.

2. Who can contribute?

We welcome contributions from researchers, educators, students, academic institutions, research centers, organizations, communities, artists, and anyone with relevant knowledge or experience related to the oceans and coastal and marine territories.

3. Editorial Categories

Submissions should relate to one of the following categories:

4. What types of content do we accept?

SONAR promotes science communication through a variety of formats. Submissions may include:

• Science communication articles: Explain research, projects, discoveries, experiences, or solutions.
• Opinion articles: Present a well-supported viewpoint on a relevant topic. These are accepted exclusively for the Ecos of Opinion category.
• Interviews and testimonials: Share the voices and experiences of researchers, communities, and other stakeholders.
• Infographics and data visualizations: Present data, processes, or concepts in a clear and accessible visual format.
• Videos and audio content: Include interviews, explainers, field recordings, documentaries, and podcasts.
• Photo essays and visual stories: Tell stories through photographs, illustrations, and short texts.
• Interactive resources: Include maps, timelines, diagrams, and other educational resources related to the topic.

Content may combine different formats. Multimedia materials that complement the information and help readers better understand the subject are particularly encouraged. Contributors are not required to produce every format; each submission will be assessed according to its characteristics and possibilities.

5. Recommendations for Writing and Submitting Content

To ensure clarity and readability, we recommend the following:

• Title: Clear, specific, and engaging.
• Introduction: Introduce the topic, question, or problem and explain why it matters.
• Main body: Organize information logically, using subheadings when appropriate, along with examples and data that help readers understand the subject.
• Conclusion: Highlight the main takeaway, implications, solutions, or questions raised by the topic.
• Language: Use clear, accessible language. Explain technical terms and avoid unnecessary acronyms or specialized expressions.
• Sources: Include references, links, or documents that allow readers to verify information and explore the topic further.

As a general guideline, science communication articles should be 700–1,200 words, while opinion columns should be 600–1,000 words. Length may be adjusted depending on the topic and format.

Articles do not need to follow the style of a scientific paper. The goal is to communicate knowledge accurately and clearly, highlighting its relevance to society.

6. Requirements for Photographs and Multimedia Materials

Submissions may include photographs, illustrations, graphics, infographics, videos, audio recordings, or links to existing resources.

For each material, please provide the following information, as applicable:

• Author or source.
• Description or caption.
• Date and location, when relevant.
• Credits and permissions for use.
• Links to videos, audio recordings, or other digital resources.

Materials must be of sufficient quality for publication and directly relevant to the content. We recommend submitting high-resolution original photographs and videos with clear audio and subtitles whenever possible.

Images, videos, music, or other third-party materials must not be submitted without the necessary permissions or licenses.

7. Submission Requirements

All submissions must meet the following conditions:

• Be original, or clearly indicate if they have been published previously.
• Present verifiable information supported by reliable sources.
• Identify all authors and contributors.
• Respect copyright, privacy, and the dignity of individuals and communities.
• Include the necessary consent and permissions for using testimonials, photographs, and other materials.
• Disclose funding sources or potential conflicts of interest when relevant.

For opinion articles, the views and positions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent CEMarin’s institutional position.

8. Authorship and Publication Rights

Authors retain the rights to their work in accordance with applicable law and the publication agreements established.

By submitting a proposal, authors must expressly authorize the uses necessary for its publication and distribution through SONAR and CEMarin’s associated communication channels, subject to the agreed terms.

Authors and contributors to supplementary materials will receive appropriate credit. Any additional conditions concerning reproduction, reuse, or licensing will be clearly communicated.

For questions about submissions and publications, please contact the SONAR editorial team through the contact channels available on the website.