Ocean Nexus International Fellowship: A Deep Dive for Journalists
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship offers a unique three-month program for journalists looking to explore the critical links between ocean governance, environmental justice, and social equity. This fellowship, a collaboration between Ocean Nexus and The Uproot Project, aims to support journalists from outside the United States in producing impactful stories. These stories will highlight how ocean-related policies, environmental challenges, and systemic inequities affect communities globally. Selected fellows will gain access to leading researchers and experts, along with financial support to undertake in-depth reporting projects focused on ocean justice and equity.
About the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship was created to foster important discussions about ocean governance, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Ocean Nexus is an initiative focused on promoting ocean equity by examining how ocean governance systems impact communities, especially those historically excluded from decision-making. Through research, advocacy, and teamwork, Ocean Nexus works to address unfair systems and hold powerful groups accountable for environmental and social harm.
Fellows will work with Ocean Nexus researchers and experts to better understand the connection between oceans and social systems. The fellowship encourages journalists to investigate stories that show how environmental policies connect with issues like social inequality, economic injustice, climate vulnerability, community resilience, coastal environmental justice, Indigenous and local knowledge, ocean sustainability, and governance accountability. Participants will also help the broader journalism community by creating guides to help other reporters better understand ocean equity issues and improve future reporting.
Fellowship Objectives
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship is built around several main goals:
Exploring the Intersection of Ocean Governance and Social Justice
Fellows will closely study Ocean Nexus research to grasp how policies and governance structures affect environmental results and social fairness. Journalists will investigate how decisions about oceans, coastlines, fisheries, marine resources, and environmental protection can impact different communities based on factors like location, race, income, and past exclusion.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices
A main goal of the fellowship is to make sure communities often left out of environmental decisions are heard in public discussions. Fellows will look into how coastal populations, Indigenous communities, vulnerable groups, and historically marginalized people experience environmental challenges and ocean-related policies.
Strengthening Public Understanding
Through high-quality journalism, fellows will help connect scientific research with public awareness. By turning complex environmental and policy issues into clear stories, journalists can help create informed public conversations and policy discussions about ocean equity and justice.
Expanding Knowledge on Ocean Equity Reporting
Each fellow will create resources to help other journalists understand and cover ocean equity issues more effectively. These materials will help improve environmental journalism and encourage more thoughtful reporting on ocean-related challenges.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive several professional and financial advantages:
Financial Support
Fellows will receive a stipend of $2,000. This funding is provided directly by Ocean Nexus to support fellowship activities and reporting efforts.
Access to Expertise
Participants will get direct access to Ocean Nexus researchers, scientists, subject-matter experts, ocean governance specialists, environmental justice practitioners, and global networks focused on ocean equity.
Professional Development
Fellows will have chances to deepen their expertise in ocean justice reporting, join global discussions on environmental fairness, build relationships with researchers and policy experts, and expand their professional journalism networks.
Community Support
Participants will benefit from connecting with The Uproot Project community, which supports journalists covering environmental and climate-related topics.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship will take place over three months, from June 2026 to August 2026. During this time, fellows will work on their reporting projects while collaborating with Ocean Nexus researchers and experts.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet specific requirements:
Geographic and Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be based outside the United States and not be a U.S. citizen.
Membership Requirements
Applicants must be members of The Uproot Project as of May 15, 2026, or a member of one of the following collaborating journalism organizations: Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association, Asian American Journalists Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, Indigenous Journalists Association, Military Veterans in Journalism, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, South Asian Journalists Association, or Trans Journalists Association.
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must have between 5 and 15 years of experience covering climate or environmental topics. Freelance journalists are encouraged to apply but must show a commitment from a news organization willing to publish their work.
Additional Expectations
Applicants should show a strong interest in ocean justice and environmental equity, a commitment to community-centered storytelling, a passion for advancing sustainability through journalism, and an interest in science-based and policy-focused reporting.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following documents:
Letter of Support
A letter from an editor or a news organization that regularly works with the applicant, submitted in PDF format.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
A current resume or CV, submitted in PDF format.
Writing Samples
Up to three writing samples that show reporting experience.
Statement of Interest
A statement, maximum 500 words, explaining commitment to ocean equity and justice, alignment with fellowship goals, and relevant reporting interests and experiences.
Reporting Project Proposal
A description of the story the applicant hopes to pursue, the preferred reporting format, why the story is important, and the expected impact of the reporting project.
Additional Responses
Applicants will also answer questions about fellowship learning objectives, personal connections to the issue or affected community, project timeline, publishing plans, and previous environmental reporting experience.
Important Application Note
The fellowship organizers have stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used to complete the application. Responses suspected of being AI-generated may not be considered. Applicants should ensure all materials reflect their own original work.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is June 14, 2026, by 11:59 pm GMT. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Why Journalists Should Apply
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship provides a rare chance for journalists to investigate some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing communities worldwide. Beyond financial support, fellows gain access to top-tier expertise, valuable professional networks, and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global conversations about ocean sustainability, environmental justice, and fair governance. For journalists aiming to produce impactful stories that connect environmental issues with human experiences, this fellowship offers both the resources and support needed to improve reporting and encourage significant public engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship?
It’s a three-month program for journalists outside the U.S. to produce stories about ocean governance, environmental justice, and social equity.
What are the main benefits for fellows?
Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend, access to experts and researchers, and opportunities for professional growth and networking.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Journalists based outside the U.S. with 5-15 years of climate/environmental reporting experience, who are members of The Uproot Project or specific partner organizations.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is June 14, 2026, by 11:59 pm GMT.
