Application Deadline: April 7, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) Our Ocean Conference Fellowship. The next Our Ocean Conference, scheduled to be held in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16-18 2026, will be an equally important event to galvanize action and foster momentum toward the conference’s six core themes: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, Sustainable Blue Economy, Climate Change and Maritime Security.
The 11th Our Ocean Conference–and the first to take place in Africa–will focus on the theme of ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future’ and will also explore Kenya’s domestic priorities, such as elevating youth ocean leaders and strengthening collaboration to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Requirements
Eligibility
To be eligible for the fellowship, the applicant must:
- Be a professional journalist from or representing an established media house and reporting from a coastal country.
- Have previous experience reporting on ocean issues (examples include IUU fishing, MPAs, blue economy, sustainable fisheries).
- Clearly indicate the kinds of stories they will seek to pursue while covering the conference.
- Be available for the conference in Mombasa from June 16-18, arriving on June 14 and departing on June 19.
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Share an up-to-date resume/CV.
- Provide a letter of support from an editor, producer or supervisor who can confirm that your news reports will be published or broadcast in an established media outlet. Freelancers are welcome to apply but must provide a letter of support from a media outlet for which they intend to report.
- Provide recent, relevant and journalistic work samples which focus on ocean issues. These can be uploaded as documents or web links. Stories can be in any language as long as they are accompanied by a short English synopsis. Stories must have clear bylines and should have been published in the last 12 months.
Benefits
- Fellows will travel to Mombasa, Kenya to attend the entire duration of the Our Ocean Conference negotiations, which will take place from June 16-18, with arrival planned for June 14 and departure on June 19. An Orientation Day, organized by EJN staff, will take place on June 15 and will provide training on the key topics of the conference and will feature guest speakers and a field trip.
- EJN will cover non-refundable economy-class airfare, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance and ground transportation costs related to fellowship participation. Organizers will also facilitate the press accreditation process and provide logistical support relating to the trip. Please note that the process of obtaining any necessary visas is the fellow’s individual responsibility, though EJN will reimburse visa costs. Fellows will also receive a per diem to cover daily expenses during their time in Mombasa.
- Prior to the start of the conference, fellows will receive informational resources and technical support to help prepare for reporting at the conference. They will attend a pre-conference virtual workshop to meet their cohort and media trainers, discuss reporting opportunities and ask any questions to support pre-reporting and preparatory work.
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