EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships: Apply for Journalists from Coastal Countries
Are you a journalist passionate about ocean conservation? The EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships offer a unique chance to cover a major global event in person. This program, run by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), supports reporters from coastal countries to attend the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
The conference runs from June 16 to 18, 2026. It marks the first time the event happens in Africa. The theme is “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” Leaders will discuss topics like youth ocean leaders and fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
What the Fellowship Covers
Fellows get full support to focus on their reporting. EJN pays for economy-class round-trip airfare, hotel stays, meals, medical insurance, and local transport. They also handle press badges and trip logistics. Fellows must sort their own visas, but EJN reimburses those costs. A daily per diem helps with extra expenses.
Before the trip, fellows join a virtual workshop. This lets them meet others, talk reporting ideas, and get prep materials. In Mombasa, an orientation day on June 15 includes expert talks, a field trip, and key issue training. Daily briefings and official interviews follow during the conference.
Travel Schedule
Plan to arrive in Mombasa on June 14. The main event spans June 16 to 18. Leave on June 19. This gives time for full coverage, from negotiations to side events. EJN staff guide fellows through the busy days.
Who Can Apply
This fellowship targets working journalists from coastal countries. You need experience covering ocean topics like IUU fishing, marine protected areas (MPAs), blue economy, or sustainable fisheries. Show clear story ideas for the conference.
Other requirements include:
- Full availability for the dates.
- Strong English skills.
- A current resume or CV.
- A support letter from an editor, producer, or boss. This confirms your work will air or publish in a real media outlet. Freelancers need a letter from their planned publisher.
- Recent clips on ocean issues. These must be from the past year, with bylines. Non-English stories need a short English summary.
How Applications Are Judged
EJN reviews entries until early April. They notify winners in late April. Top picks show strong ocean reporting history, a dedication to environmental journalism, and ties to a solid media house. That support letter carries weight.
Steps to Apply
Head to the official page to submit. Upload your resume, support letter, story pitches, and clips. The deadline is April 7, 2026. Check the EJN site for full details and the application link: earthjournalism.net/opportunities/our-ocean-conference-2026-fellowships.
This fellowship builds skills and networks. It helps journalists share vital ocean stories with wide audiences. Coastal nations gain more coverage on issues that affect their shores and economies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships?
Working journalists from coastal countries with experience covering ocean topics like IUU fishing or marine protected areas, strong English skills, and full availability for the dates.
What does the fellowship cover?
It covers economy-class round-trip airfare, hotel stays, meals, medical insurance, local transport, press badges, visa reimbursements, and a daily per diem.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is April 7, 2026. Submit via the EJN website.
What is the travel schedule for fellows?
Arrive in Mombasa on June 14, attend orientation on June 15, cover the conference from June 16 to 18, and depart on June 19.