Deadline: January 15, 2026
The EJN Story Grants on Fisheries Transparency 2026 offer an important opportunity for journalists and media professionals to receive funding and mentorship to produce high-impact investigative stories on fisheries transparency, accountability, and sustainable marine fisheries.
These grants are administered by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and are designed to support in-depth reporting that exposes challenges and solutions related to fisheries governance across the world.
About the EJN Story Grants on Fisheries Transparency 2026
The EJN Story Grants on Fisheries Transparency 2026 aim to strengthen public understanding of how fisheries are managed, monitored, and regulated, particularly in marine environments. The programme supports journalism that sheds light on opaque systems, illegal practices, and innovative transparency solutions within global fisheries.
Selected journalists will receive both financial support and editorial mentorship to help them produce impactful stories that can reach broad audiences and influence policy, practice, and public awareness.
Grant Value and Support
- Five (5) story grants will be awarded
- Each grant is valued at USD 1,500
- Successful applicants will receive mentorship and editorial guidance throughout the reporting and publication process
The funding is intended to cover reporting-related expenses and enable journalists to dedicate time and resources to their investigations.
Who Can Apply
The opportunity is open to a wide range of media professionals, including:
- Journalists from any coastal country
- Reporters working on marine fisheries (freshwater fisheries are not eligible)
- Journalists working across print, online, broadcast, radio, and multimedia platforms
- Both early-career and experienced journalists
- Teams of journalists, provided one person is named as the lead applicant
Applications must be submitted in English. Where necessary, translators may be used. Applicants are also required to disclose any use of artificial intelligence in the development of their proposal.
Key Reporting Themes
Applicants are encouraged to propose stories related to fisheries transparency, including but not limited to the following areas:
1. Fisheries Management
- Lack of transparency in catch reporting
- Gaps in government oversight
- Fisheries subsidies and financial flows
- Stock assessments and sustainability data
2. Vessel Activities at Sea
- Monitoring and enforcement challenges
- Underreported or unreported catches
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Fleet ownership and vessel registration issues
3. Seafood Supply Chains
- Tracing seafood from catch to consumer
- Investigating sustainability and certification claims
- Transparency in sourcing and labelling
4. Technology and Innovation
- Use of satellite tracking and vessel monitoring systems
- DNA testing and traceability tools
- Artificial intelligence and data analysis in fisheries oversight
5. Policy and Governance Solutions
- National, regional, and global policy frameworks
- Effectiveness of existing transparency initiatives
- Regulatory reforms and accountability mechanisms
Selection and Judging Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Relevance – Why the story matters and who it affects
- Originality – A fresh perspective or under-reported angle
- Impact – Potential to inform the public and influence change
- Reach – Ability to reach a wide and accessible audience
- Innovation – Creative storytelling, data journalism, or multimedia use
- Feasibility – A realistic reporting and publication plan
Applicants must include an editor’s letter of support confirming that the story will be published no later than 31 October 2026. Wherever possible, stories should be accessible without restrictive paywalls.
Application Deadline
📅 15 January 2026
Late applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline.
Why Apply for the EJN Story Grants on Fisheries Transparency 2026
The EJN Story Grants on Fisheries Transparency 2026 provide journalists with the resources, mentorship, and platform needed to investigate complex fisheries issues and bring transparency to a sector that directly affects livelihoods, ecosystems, and global food security.
Need Support With Your Application?
If you need professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact us for expert support to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
