EJN Our Ocean 2026 Fellowships for Journalists
Journalists from coastal countries have a chance to cover a major global event on ocean conservation. The EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowships offer support for professionals to attend the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. This in-person program helps selected fellows report on key ocean issues from June 16 to 18, 2026.
Conference Overview
The 11th Our Ocean Conference marks the first time the event takes place in Africa. Hosted in Mombasa, Kenya, it runs from June 16 to 18, 2026, with fellows arriving on June 14 and leaving on June 19. The theme is “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” Discussions will cover Kenya’s goals, like boosting youth ocean leaders and fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, known as IUU fishing.
EJN staff organizes an Orientation Day on June 15. This includes training on conference topics, talks from guest speakers, and a field trip. Fellows get a full schedule to follow negotiations and gather stories.
Fellowship Benefits
EJN covers most costs for selected fellows. This includes economy-class round-trip airfare, hotel stays, meals, travel medical insurance, and ground transport in Mombasa. Organizers handle press accreditation and logistics. Fellows must arrange their own visas, but EJN reimburses those fees. A daily per diem helps with personal expenses.
Before the trip, fellows join a virtual workshop. They meet their group, talk with media trainers, and get resources for pre-conference reporting. In Mombasa, activities include daily briefings, expert sessions on ocean topics, and interviews with top officials. Trainers provide feedback on stories to improve coverage.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet clear requirements. They need to be professional journalists from or reporting for media in a coastal country. Past work on ocean topics is key, such as IUU fishing, marine protected areas, blue economy, or sustainable fisheries.
Fellows must plan specific stories for the conference and be free from June 14 to 19. Strong English skills are required. Submit a current resume, a support letter from an editor or supervisor confirming publication, and recent ocean-focused clips from the last 12 months. Clips can be in any language with an English summary. Freelancers need a letter from an outlet that will run their work.
Selection Process
Applications close on April 7, 2026. EJN notifies winners in late April. Judges look for proven ocean reporting experience, a strong journalism career focused on environmental stories, and ties to an established media outlet with a support letter.
How to Apply
Visit the official page to submit your application. Prepare your materials early to meet the tight deadline. For full details, check the EJN opportunity listing. This fellowship gives journalists tools and access to make impactful ocean stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowship?
It is an in-person program for journalists from coastal countries to cover the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16 to 18, 2026, with training and support.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Professional journalists from or reporting for media in coastal countries with past work on ocean topics like IUU fishing or sustainable fisheries, plus strong English skills.
What costs does the fellowship cover?
EJN covers airfare, hotel, meals, insurance, ground transport, press accreditation, and visa fees, plus a daily per diem for personal expenses.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on April 7, 2026, and winners are notified in late April.