Fully-funded Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026: Applications Now Open for Emerging Ocean & Climate Leaders

Deadline: February 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
Cohort Size: 40 Global Fellows
Age Range: 18–35
Program Dates: March 26 – December 5, 2026
Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours per week

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 is now open to applications from early-career ocean and climate leaders worldwide who are ready to influence policy, strengthen marine protection, and advance the global 30×30 agenda.

Developed by Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, the Fellowship equips young professionals with the leadership skills, networks, and practical tools needed to shape ocean governance at local, national, and global levels.

Why the Ocean Leaders Fellowship Matters

The ocean sustains life on Earth, yet many young leaders working on ocean conservation and climate action face systemic barriers, including limited access to decision-making spaces and global policy platforms.

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship was created to address this gap by supporting emerging leaders who are already influencing systems and want to deepen their impact. The program focuses on cultivating belonging, activating collective power, and building long-term leadership capacity grounded in integrity and lived experience.

Fellowship Overview

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship is an eight-month leadership development program that combines:

• Weekly virtual learning sessions

• Mentorship and coaching from global experts

• Peer collaboration and leadership pods

• An immersive, fully funded international leadership institute and conference in June 2026

Fellows gain practical experience translating local knowledge into global policy influence while strengthening their leadership skills in complex, high-stakes environments.

2026 Thematic Focus: Advancing 30×30

The 2026 Fellowship cohort is centered on advancing the 30×30 target—protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.

Rather than focusing on abstract commitments, Fellows work on real-world challenges, including:

• What ocean protection means in specific local and regional contexts

• Equity, livelihoods, and Indigenous leadership in marine conservation

• Ocean–climate connections

• How collective leadership can shift systems and policy outcomes

By supporting 40 leaders, the Fellowship amplifies impact far beyond the cohort, strengthening global ecosystems of ocean action.

The Fellowship Experience

Throughout the program, Fellows will:

• Work in peer leadership pods of four to five Fellows for accountability and support

• Participate in dialogue-based learning, coaching, and office hours

• Practice leadership skills in real policy and advocacy contexts

• Build trust, confidence, and clarity as systems-level leaders

The program runs from March 26 to December 5, 2026, and is designed for young professionals who are already organizing, leading teams, and influencing change.

The 2026 Learning Arc

Phase 1: Listening and Storytelling

Goal: Gather and represent community voices on ocean protection and 30×30

Fellows will practice:

• Hosting community and citizen dialogues

• Active listening and multi-stakeholder engagement

• Developing policy briefs grounded in local realities

• Creating media packages and press outreach strategies

Phase 2: Bridge Building

Goal: Translate community knowledge into global policy spaces

Fellows will practice:

• Influencing decision-makers

• Strategic networking and relationship building

• Storytelling in high-stakes policy environments

Phase 3: Activating Collective Power

Goal: Turn learning into action

Fellows will practice:

• Designing and leading local and global campaigns

• Coalition and movement building

• Digital campaigning

• Fundraising basics and career path development

• Sustaining momentum, resilience, and well-being as leaders

Program Details at a Glance

• Program Dates: March 26 – December 5, 2026

• Weekly Sessions: Thursdays at 8:00 AM PT (90 minutes to 2 hours)

• In-Person International Programming: June 9 – June 19, 2026

• Average Time Commitment: 5 hours per week

Who Should Apply: Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old as of June 20, 2026

• Be actively working in ocean or climate action, with a strong interest in 30×30

• Align with one of Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s five Ocean Impact Areas

• Have a minimum C1 level of English proficiency

• Be available for international travel from June 9 to June 19, 2026

• Have not previously attended an Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit or UN Ocean Conference Youth Forum

Costs and Financial Support

The Fellowship covers all required costs for the international portion of the program, including:

• Travel

• Accommodation

• Food

• Visa expenses

Key Outputs of the Fellowship

By the end of the program, Fellows will co-create:

• Country briefs on national 30×30 progress

• A press brief

• A campaign strategy plan and digital advocacy toolkit

Important Dates

• Applications Open: January 15, 2026

• Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

• Program Kickoff: Week of March 26, 2026

• Information Sessions:

  • January 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM PST

  • February 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM PST

Apply or Nominate a Young Ocean Leader

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early. You may also nominate a young ocean leader whose work aligns with the Fellowship’s mission and values.

For detailed guidance, eligibility clarification, and application support, consult the official Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 FAQ.

About Sustainable Ocean Alliance

Sustainable Ocean Alliance is a registered charitable nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The organization works globally to mobilize young leaders, innovators, and communities to protect and restore ocean health.

Ocean Leaders Fellowship 2026 offers a rare opportunity to gain global exposure, strengthen leadership capacity, and directly influence the future of ocean protection. For emerging ocean and climate leaders committed to meaningful systems change, this Fellowship is a powerful platform to lead with impact.