The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications for story grants to support in-depth reporting on the global “30×30” target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. This opportunity is open to individual journalists and reporting groups from coastal countries, with a particular priority for applicants from Ghana, Mexico, and the Philippines. Selected grantees receive an average of US$1,500 to cover reporting costs—such as travel, accommodation, and translation—along with editorial mentorship to produce investigative or solutions-focused stories. Proposals should examine the effectiveness of marine protected areas, the impact of industrial fishing, or the role of local communities and technology in ocean conservation. The deadline for applications is 21 April 2026. Marine Conservation Story Grants
marine/coastal
Belmont Forum — Ocean Collaborative Research
The Belmont Forum invites proposals for the Ocean 2 Collaborative Research Action (OCEAN 2 CRA), a program supporting transdisciplinary research focused on biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability for nature and human well-being. Consortia must include participants from at least three different countries receiving support from participating funding agencies, which include organizations from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay, among others. Projects should span 36 months and address one of three themes: biodiversity conservation, ocean-biodiversity-climate integration, or ocean governance and ethics. While total funding varies by the specific national annexes of the participating agencies, grants typically support international research collaboration and societal engagement. The deadline for registrations is 30 April 2026. OCEAN 2 CRA
Save Our Seas Foundation — Keystone Grants 2026
The Save Our Seas Foundation funds and supports marine and ocean research, conservation, and education projects worldwide. Projects have to focus on charismatic threatened wildlife and their habitats, with a particular concern for marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimaeras). The usual project duration is limited to three years with a grant average of US$25 thousand per year. The next application period (Stage I) is 13 May 2026. Keystone Grants
Fondation Yves Rocher — Photography Award, Environment and the Planet 2026
The Yves Rocher Foundation’s Photography Award is awarded to a professional photographer who wishes to make a journalistic study of issues relating to the environment, humanity’s relationship with the planet, or the core challenges to sustainability. Eligibility extends to professional photojournalists who can write and speak in French or English. The winner will receive an award of €8 thousand. The closing date for applications is 20 May 2026. Prix Photo
Skål International — Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026
Skål International announces the call for submission to its 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards. The idea is to enhance visibility and get recognition of outstanding performance in terms of sustainable and responsible tourism from all over the world. Companies, NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions worldwide are welcome to submit an entry in one of nine available categories, including ‘Countryside and Biodiversity’ and ‘Marine and Coastal’. Applications close on 31 May 2026. Find the guidelines
Stiftung Entrepreneurship — Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition 2026
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) invites entrepreneurs from all around the world to submit innovative answers and ideas to solve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young entrepreneurs (age 15-35) submit their ideas and projects in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship category. Entrepreneurs over 30 years apply to the Adult Citizen Entrepreneurship category. The winners receive a certificate and international recognition. The deadline for entries is 05 June 2026. About the competition
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Conservation Training Program
The School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC) invites applications for a 12-week online training program focused on effective management for marine conservation and biodiversity in Africa. The course is designed for marine conservation practitioners across the continent and includes an optional five-day in-person intensive session at an African location. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, strategic management, and ethical practices to address environmental challenges while balancing economic and community needs. While the full cost of the program is not specified, partial merit-based scholarships are available to a limited number of successful applicants. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2026. Marine Conservation Training Program
Caribbean Biodiversity Fund — Blue Economy Financing
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund invites applications for its Caribbean BluEFin project, which supports innovative blue economy initiatives that strengthen nature-based economic opportunities while generating measurable biodiversity and climate resilience benefits. The program focuses on sustainable blue carbon, nature-based solutions, and circular economy approaches to reduce marine pollution. Eligible applicants must be legally registered in one of the five participating countries: the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Saint Lucia, or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Grants range from US$200 thousand to US$250 thousand per project for initiatives with a duration of six to 12 months. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. Blue Economy Financing
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Coastal Ocean Environment School
The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and its partners invite experts and organizations to apply as instructors for the 2026 Coastal Ocean Environment School in the Western Indian Ocean (COES-WIO). The program seeks facilitators to lead “project track” sessions that provide hands-on, experiential learning in oceanography and marine science. Applicants should propose immersive research projects suitable for groups of 15 to 20 participants, including students, researchers, and policymakers. While the announcement focuses on the contribution of expertise rather than a specific grant amount for instructors, the school serves as a major capacity-building initiative for the next generation of ocean researchers. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is 05 April 2026. Call for Instructors
Earth Journalism Network — Ocean Conference Fellowship
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites applications from journalists to attend the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. The fellowship program supports professional journalists from low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on those from the Global South, to report on ocean conservation and marine policy. Selected fellows receive full sponsorship to attend the conference, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and travel insurance. In addition to covering the event, participants engage in preparatory workshops and receive mentorship from experienced environmental editors to strengthen their reporting on topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and climate resilience. The application deadline is 15 April 2026. Ocean Conference Fellowships