We proudly introduce Marine Notes Journal, an open access publication by Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd. that provides a dedicated platform for short research papers, field notes, conservation news, and observational reports focused on marine and coastal ecosystems. The journal highlights real field experiences, scientific data, and ecological insights that contribute to a better understanding of marine life and the challenges it faces.

Marine Notes Journal is the first AI-edited and peer-reviewed marine science journal, created to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can assist in managing, editing, and reviewing scientific content efficiently and transparently. The journal operates without the need for traditional human editors, except in cases where AI cannot perform a specific editorial task on its own. This pioneering approach ensures rapid publication, consistency, and fair evaluation of submitted work while maintaining scientific integrity.

The journal was developed to bridge the gap between traditional academic publishing and the valuable data collected through independent research, field surveys, environmental monitoring, and citizen science. By offering a space for shorter, data-based contributions, Marine Notes Journal allows discoveries and observations that might otherwise remain unpublished to reach the scientific and conservation community.

Each issue presents concise, peer-reviewed notes and reports that share meaningful insights into marine environments, including new species records, behavioral studies, habitat assessments, and conservation findings. In addition to research content, the journal features conservation news, project updates, and global highlights from the marine science community, offering readers a complete and engaging overview of current marine work and discoveries.

Marine Notes Journal promotes simplicity, accuracy, and collaboration as its foundation. Its mission is to make marine knowledge accessible to all, from professional researchers and institutions to conservationists and citizen scientists. By combining artificial intelligence and open access publication, the journal builds a continuously expanding archive of marine knowledge that supports both scientific progress and environmental stewardship.

The inaugural issue (Volume 1, Issue 1) introduces this innovative publishing model with contributions and observations from all around the globe, reflecting the journal’s international scope and inclusive vision.

📘 Visit our website to explore the journal, read the latest notes, or submit your own contribution
👉 www.marinenotesjournal.com

Today’s survey at Liri Beach focused on the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca). These rays spend the day resting on the sandy seabed, sometimes half buried with only their eyes and spiracles visible. Careful observation helps us note their abundance and distribution along the coast, building a clearer picture of how they use this habitat.

As part of the survey, we also checked inside one of the sea caves near the beach. We already know that these caves are used by Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), so we entered with caution. In the middle of the cave, a male seal suddenly appeared and swam directly toward us.