In 2026, the ocean will make history. On January 17, a new treaty will enter into force. It offers hope of curbing the plunder of the seas, which cover half of our planet, but until now have had no formal protection.
The High Seas Treaty, ratified by 81 countries and counting, reflects a growing awareness of the accelerating decline of marine species and ecosystems, as well as the ocean’s critical role in regulating the climate.
That such an agreement has been reached as multilateralism comes under increasing threat worldwide is cause for celebration. But it’s also important to acknowledge the role that journalism has played in the 20 years of treaty wrangling, keeping the focus on negotiations and raising public awareness that has generated political pressure to reach a deal.
It’s against this historic backdrop that we welcome the third cohort of Ocean Reporting Network (ORN) Fellows. These journalists will join the ecosystem of reporters, photographers, and newsrooms that we support to systematically probe the drivers of the degradation of our marine environment.
ORN is now in its third year, and each cohort is carefully chosen to represent a diverse mix of regions, backgrounds, formats, and experience. This year’s projects cover fisheries, pollution, governance, marine protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
The 2026 cohort includes:
- Frankie Adkins for SBS, based in Sydney, Australia
- Rukaia Alabadi for Al-Jumhuriya, based in Paris, France
- Islam Alatrash for Deutsche Welle, based in Tripoli, Libya
- Laureano Barrera for Revista Anfibia, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Daniela Castro for Mongabay, based in Bogotá, Colombia
- Aqwam Hanifan for Jaring.id, based in Bogor, Indonesia, partnering with Jiyoon Kim of Newstapa
- Karen Pinchin for Canadian Geographic, based in Nova Scotia, Canada
- Jenn Thornhill Verma for The Globe and Mail, based in Ottawa, Canada
- Supriya Vohra for Mongabay India, based in Goa, India
ORN Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for freelance or staff journalists to pursue an in-depth or investigative ocean story over 12 months—time that is a rare luxury in journalism.
Based on the successful model of the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Investigations Network, the ORN Fellows receive funding, training, and the support of dedicated editors from our Environmental Investigations Unit. They also get support from the Center’s Engagement team, which will help them amplify their stories, engage with their audience, and measure impact. They can expect to build bonds and collaborations that continue long after the Fellowship ends.
As a result of being part of ORN, former Fellows have won awards, secured prestigious reporting fellowships, changed policy, presented their work at environmental and journalism conferences, contributed to scientific reports, and given evidence to government inquiries.
In 2026, we hope these Fellows can make their own part of ocean history.
This message appeared in the January 16, 2026, edition of the Pulitzer Center's weekly newsletter. Subscribe today.
