Protocol for the publication of distibutional records of endangered species

The Journal of Conchology has a distinguished history of publishing distributional data, primarily but not exclusively, concerning British and European Mollusca.The Society has played a major role in molluscan conservation and its contributions continue. Today, in Europe such activities have culminated in national and European Union legislation for the protection of many molluscan species.

In addition considerable resources have been allocated to ensure their continued survival. Such conservation measures are often seen to conflict with other interests such as agriculture, industry and leisure pursuits. As a consequence data on endangered species have become both critical but also sensitive. In my own experience with the Freshwater Pearl Mussel there has been considerable debate over the publication of sites due to the possible increased exposure to pearl fishing.

The destruction of sites holding endangered species by land owners not wishing to have their land scheduled has also been experienced in some countries. The concerns over distributional data of critical species bring a higher degree of responsibility to potential publishers and as a result the Journal of Conchology is introducing a protocol for the publication of distributional data of species carrying national or European Union protective legislation.

This protocol is being attached to instructions for authors. Protocol for the Publication of Distributional Records of species carrying national or European Union protective legislation.

Authors of papers, communications and records on the distribution of species listed in national and European Union protective legislation should before submission to the Journal of Conchology ensure the following:-

• That any relevant permissions and licenses were obtained and are acknowledged.
• That data have already been forwarded to the relevant national conservation agency.
• That the relevant national conservation agency has no objection to the publication of such data.

The Editor of the Journal of Conchology retains the right to independently confirm compliance with this protocol, and this will be achieved through the normal peer review process.

The formulation of this protocol is not solely intended to protect the Journal but is to a greater extent an encouragement for individuals and societies to work together to further the protection of these species. The sharing of data is an essential part of the process and is of critical value to conservation agencies. Distributional data is far from complete for many species and the activities of recorders and researchers have and remain invaluable sources.

Dr Graham Oliver, Honorary Editor