The first 100 years of the ICES Journal of Marine Science

To celebrate the centenary of the ICES Journal of Marine Science in 2026, this article takes a retrospective look at what transpired with the Journal during those 100 years. Beginning with the original intent of the publication, its subsequent transformation is chronicled from being a French-titled journal focussing mainly on northeast Atlantic topics with three issues per volume to its present status as a well-known and highly rated publication 9–10 issues per year featuring papers from around the world addressing the full range of marine science investigations. The publication, subscriptions, and distribution of the Journal were initially handled by Danish firms, but were later contracted to major publishing companies such as Academic Press and Oxford University Press, the current publisher. Brief commentaries are provided of the nine individuals who have served as editor or editor-in-chief of the Journal throughout its 100-year history, as well as some who have served as assisting editors or editorial assistants in the ICES Secretariat. The management and promotion of the Journal by ICES are also reviewed.