EJN Reporting Fellowships for Journalists in USA 2027
Applications are open for the EJN Reporting Fellowships on the BBNJ COP1. Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) offers this in-person programme. Selected journalists will report from the first High Seas Treaty conference in New York City. EJN plans to award fellowships to 10 journalists.
Program Snapshot
- Host Organization: Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN)
- Funding: Airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, ground transport, and a per diem
- Dates: January 11 to 22, 2027, with orientation on January 10
- Location: New York City, USA
- Awards: 10 fellows, split equally between the Global North and Global South
- Eligibility: Professional journalists from coastal countries with ocean reporting experience
- Application Deadline: October 27, 2026, 11:59 PM (Pacific/Niue time)
Focus Areas
- High Seas Treaty implementation
- Marine protected areas and ocean conservation
- Illegal fishing and sustainable fisheries
- Blue economy and marine pollution
About the Fellowship
The High Seas Treaty took effect on January 17, 2026. Media coverage so far has been modest and focused on milestones. This fellowship supports deeper, sustained reporting on how the treaty works in practice. Fellows join a pre-conference virtual workshop. In New York, they attend expert briefings, side events, and daily sessions with EJN trainers.
What Fellows Receive
EJN covers economy airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel medical insurance. It also pays for ground transportation and provides a per diem. Organizers help with press accreditation and logistics. Fellows handle their own visas, but EJN reimburses visa costs. Note that the programme depends on final approval from the Bloomberg Ocean Fund.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be professional journalists from or representing established media houses. They must report from a coastal country and have ocean reporting experience. Good English is required. Applicants must be available from January 9 to 23, 2027. Freelancers may apply with a media outlet’s support letter.
Required Materials
Applicants submit a CV and a letter of support from an editor or producer. They also provide recent ocean-related work samples from the past 12 months. Applicants must describe the stories they plan to pursue. Applications must be in English.
How to Apply
Create an account and submit your application on EJN’s website before October 27, 2026.
Click Here to Apply
Conclusion
This fellowship offers journalists a rare, well-supported chance to cover a historic treaty. Fellows must produce at least two in-depth stories within the fellowship period. Decisions will arrive in November 2026. Confirm funding approval and requirements through EJN’s official page.
