Ocean Nexus International Fellowship: A Deep Dive for Journalists
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship offers a unique three-month program for journalists interested in exploring the critical links between ocean governance, environmental justice, social equity, and sustainable communities. This fellowship, a collaboration between Ocean Nexus and The Uproot Project, aims to support experienced journalists from outside the United States. It provides funding and access to experts to help them produce impactful stories about how ocean-related policies, environmental issues, and systemic inequalities affect communities globally.
About the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship
The fellowship was created to foster important discussions about ocean governance, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Ocean Nexus focuses on promoting fairness in ocean management by studying how current systems affect various communities, especially those historically excluded from decision-making. Through research, advocacy, and teamwork, Ocean Nexus works to fix unfair systems and hold powerful groups responsible for environmental and social harm.
Fellows will work closely with Ocean Nexus researchers and experts to better understand the relationship between oceans and society. The program 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 knowledge, ocean sustainability, and accountability in governance. Participants will also help other journalists by creating guides that explain ocean equity issues and improve future reporting.
Fellowship Objectives
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship is built around several main goals:
Exploring the Connection Between Ocean Governance and Social Justice
Fellows will use Ocean Nexus research to understand how policies and governance structures impact environmental results and social fairness. Journalists will look into how decisions about oceans, coastlines, fishing, marine resources, and environmental protection can affect different communities based on their location, race, income, and past exclusion.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices
A key aim of the fellowship is to make sure that communities often left out of environmental decisions are heard in public discussions. Fellows will investigate 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 explaining complex environmental and policy issues in clear stories, journalists can help create informed public conversations and policy discussions about ocean fairness and justice.
Expanding Knowledge on Ocean Equity Reporting
Each fellow will create resources to help other journalists better understand and report on ocean equity issues. These materials will strengthen 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 by Ocean Nexus to support fellowship activities and reporting efforts.
Access to Expertise
Participants will get direct access to:
- Ocean Nexus researchers
- Scientists and subject-matter experts
- Ocean governance specialists
- Environmental justice practitioners
- Global networks focused on ocean equity
Professional Development
Fellows will have chances to:
- Deepen their knowledge in reporting on ocean justice
- Join global discussions on environmental fairness
- Build relationships with researchers and policy experts
- Expand their professional journalism networks
Community Support
Participants will benefit from being part of The Uproot Project community, which supports journalists covering environmental and climate topics.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship will last for three months, from June 2026 to August 2026. During this time, fellows will work on their reporting projects and collaborate with Ocean Nexus researchers and experts.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet all the following 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 by 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
- Trans Journalists Association
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must have between 5 and 15 years of experience covering climate or environmental topics.
Freelance Journalist Eligibility
Freelance journalists are encouraged to apply. However, they must show that a news organization is willing to publish the work created during the fellowship.
Additional Expectations
Applicants should show a strong interest in ocean justice and environmental fairness. They should also be committed to community-centered storytelling, passionate about advancing sustainability through journalism, and interested 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. The letter must be 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
This statement, with a maximum of 500 words, should explain the applicant’s commitment to ocean equity and justice, how their interests align with the fellowship goals, and their relevant reporting experiences.
Reporting Project Proposal
Applicants must describe the story they want to pursue, their preferred reporting format (digital, audio, video, multimedia, etc.), why the story is important, and the expected impact of the reporting project.
Additional Responses
Applicants will also be asked about their learning objectives for the fellowship, their personal connection to the issues or affected communities, their project timeline, publishing plans, and previous environmental reporting experience.
Important Application Note
Applicants should be aware that the fellowship organizers have stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used to complete the application. Responses that appear to be AI-generated may not be considered during the review process. Applicants must ensure all application materials reflect their own original work, experiences, and perspectives.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is June 14, 2026, by 11:59 pm GMT. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well 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 the financial support, fellows gain access to expert knowledge, valuable professional networks, and an opportunity to contribute significantly to global discussions on 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 meaningful 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 explore ocean governance, environmental justice, and social equity, supported by Ocean Nexus and The Uproot Project.
What are the main goals of the fellowship?
The fellowship aims to explore the link between ocean governance and social justice, amplify marginalized voices, strengthen public understanding of ocean equity, and improve ocean equity reporting.
What benefits does the fellowship offer to participants?
Selected fellows receive a $2,000 stipend, access to Ocean Nexus researchers and experts, professional development, and community support from The Uproot Project.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must be based outside the U.S., not be a U.S. citizen, be a member of The Uproot Project or a partner organization, and have 5-15 years of experience covering climate or environmental topics.
