Open Call: Ocean Reporting Network Program

Deadline: 13-Sep-2026

The Ocean Reporting Network Program supports experienced journalists worldwide to undertake in-depth investigations into major threats facing oceans, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities. Fellows receive a full-time reporter’s salary, up to USD 10,000 in additional reporting expenses, mentorship, specialized training, and editorial and research support for investigations developed over up to 12 months.

About the Ocean Reporting Network Program

The Ocean Reporting Network was established by the Pulitzer Center to build a global community of journalists investigating threats to the world’s oceans. The programme focuses on uncovering harmful and illegal practices in fishing and extractive industries, as well as systemic threats affecting marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Building on the Pulitzer Center’s experience supporting environmental journalism, the initiative aims to expand the reach and impact of ocean-focused investigative reporting around the world. What Does the Program Support? The programme seeks compelling, impactful, and innovative story ideas that can be developed through sustained reporting over a year-long period.

Priority issues include:

- Climate change. - Overfishing. - Illegal fishing. - Biodiversity loss. - Ocean and marine pollution. - Threats to marine species and ecosystems. - Impacts on coastal communities. The programme particularly encourages investigations that reveal underreported or emerging threats to oceans. Underreported Ocean Topics Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose investigations into less-covered issues such as: - Deep-sea mining. - Marine energy. - Blue finance. - Marine genetic resources. - Shipping. - Marine carbon dioxide removal. - Aquaculture. - Marine protected areas. - Polar issues. - Fishmeal production. Projects may examine the environmental, economic, political, social, or community impacts associated with these issues. Data-Driven and Collaborative Investigations Data-driven and science-based reporting projects are a priority.

The programme also encourages:

- Cross-border investigations. - Collaborative journalism. - Investigations involving multiple countries or communities. - Projects using data and scientific evidence to uncover systemic ocean threats. These approaches can help journalists investigate complex issues that extend beyond national borders. Fellowship Benefits Selected Fellows receive a range of financial, editorial, research, and professional development support.

Benefits include:

- A full-time reporter’s salary. - Up to USD 10,000 in additional reporting expenses. - Mentorship from experienced editors. - Access to specialized training. - Opportunities to collaborate with journalists worldwide. - Support from the Pulitzer Center’s Data and Research team. - Assistance from engagement coordinators to help reach diverse audiences. The support is intended to allow Fellows to focus on producing high-quality, deeply researched investigations. Reporting and Editorial Support Fellows work with experienced editors throughout their projects. Editorial mentorship can help journalists develop their investigations, strengthen reporting approaches, and shape stories for meaningful public impact. The Pulitzer Center’s Data and Research team can also provide specialized support for projects requiring data analysis or research expertise. Engagement and Audience Development The programme recognizes that impactful journalism extends beyond publication. Engagement coordinators help Fellows share their stories with diverse audiences and increase the reach of their reporting. This can be particularly valuable for investigations addressing complex scientific, environmental, or cross-border issues. Fellowship Duration Up to eight Fellowships are available for the fourth cohort. Each Fellowship can last for up to 12 months and is conducted remotely. The Fellowship is scheduled to begin in January 2027. Who Can Apply? The Fellowship is open to experienced journalists working in different media formats.

Eligible journalists can be:

- Staff journalists. - Freelance journalists.

Applicants may work in:

- Print. - Radio. - Video. - Multimedia journalism. Applicants should have a proven track record in investigative or in-depth ocean or environmental reporting. Requirements for Freelance Journalists Freelance journalists must have the support of a newsroom willing to host and publish their work. Applicants should therefore secure newsroom support before applying and provide the required letter of support as part of their application. Applicants from the Global South Journalists from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply. The programme has specifically highlighted applicants from: - Asia-Pacific. - East Africa. This emphasis aims to strengthen the diversity of perspectives represented in global ocean journalism and support reporting from regions directly affected by marine and coastal challenges. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application containing several professional and project-related documents.

The application must include:

- Résumé. - Detailed project proposal. - Publication and engagement plan. - Statement of purpose. - Letter of support from a newsroom. - Three examples of previous investigations. - Three professional references. Applicants must also possess a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. Project Proposal The project proposal should present a compelling investigation that can be developed over the Fellowship period.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- The ocean-related issue they intend to investigate. - Why the issue matters. - What is currently underreported or poorly understood. - The reporting questions the investigation will address. - The communities, ecosystems, industries, or institutions involved. - How the investigation can generate meaningful public impact. Publication and Engagement Plan Applicants must provide a publica