Call for proposals to gather, develop, and publish impact stories of fisherfolk involved in the biological monitoring of the closed season (Citizen science story grants)
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) invites journalists and reporters with a passion for reporting on Ghana’s fisheries sector to submit proposals for story grants to develop and publish stories on fisheries management and participatory fisheries monitoring, with particular focus on closed season and the citizen science model initiated by EJF in Ghana’s small-scale fishing sector.
Over the past three years, EJF and the Fisheries Commission have trained artisanal fishers as citizen scientists from eight coastal communities (Axim, Shama, Sekondi, Elmina, Apam, Bortianor, Tema, and Keta) across Ghana’s four coastal regions to participate in the biological monitoring exercise of the closed seasons. During this period, these dedicated fishers have played active roles in the biological monitoring exercise, working alongside the FC enumerators to collect data on species composition, gonad maturity, and other biological parameters for Ghana’s three key small pelagic fish species - Sardinella aurita (Round sardinella), Sardinella maderensis (Flat sardinella) and Engraulis encrasicolus (European anchovy). EJF’s recent citizen scientists of the sea report reveals that 92% of participating fishers demonstrated strong scientific understanding of the closed season, compared to 78% of non-participants, and that nearly half reported improved trust and collaboration with regulators. This report can be accessed here.
These story grants aim to increase media coverage of the role of citizen science in Ghana’s fisheries sector and amplify the voices of small-scale fishers and coastal communities. Stories should explore the lived experiences of fisher-citizen scientists, the outcomes of participatory fisheries monitoring, and the potential for expanding community-led approaches to fisheries management in Ghana.
Awards
Five grants of up to US$500 each will be awarded to the selected journalists. Applicants should provide a detailed budget with justification for the amount requested and a clear breakdown of likely costs to be incurred. EJF can facilitate access to fisher-citizen scientists, community leaders, Fisheries Commission officials, and other relevant stakeholders.
Proposals are expected to reflect the equipment the applicant already has access to (including recorders, cameras, microphones, and tripods, among others). Budgets that seek to purchase new equipment or gadgets will not be considered.
We particularly encourage proposals that cover different thematic angles and coastal regions to ensure diverse, broad-based coverage of the citizen science initiative.
Conditions
Stories should be completed in English as news or feature articles for print, online, television, and/or radio. Successful applicants will be expected to submit a draft of their full story for EJF review by 25 September 2026.
The review is to ensure the technical accuracy of information about EJF Ghana, the Sustainable Oceans Project, and Ghana’s fisheries sector, among others. The successful applicant is expected to incorporate all feedback to the extent practicable in producing the final story and is solely responsible for publication. EJF will not provide writing or editorial assistance, nor publish stories in media outlets.
Applicants
Journalists (online, print, television, radio) and other media practitioners in coastal regions of Ghana are welcome to apply.
Freelancers are also encouraged to submit applications. Please indicate where you expect to publish or broadcast your story.
We particularly welcome applications from journalists based in or covering the Volta, Greater Accra, Central, and Western regions, where the citizen science monitoring sites are located.
Winners of the grants are free to publish or broadcast their stories in other media, with prior notice to EJF and, with the permission of the news outlet(s) they work for.
How to apply
Applicants should submit the following to media@ejfoundation.org.
A short story outline (Strictly not more than two pages), clearly indicating the proposed angle, the coastal community or site to be covered, and the media outlet or platforms for publication or broadcast.
A link to a recent publication or broadcast sample.
A proposed budget with a clear breakdown of cost elements.
EJF has a safeguarding policy that seeks to protect people, especially children, young people, at-risk adults, and beneficiaries of assistance, from harm resulting from their interaction with EJF, its partners or associates. The policy prohibits any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH). Successful applicants will sign onto EJF’s safeguarding policy prior to commencement of work.
The application deadline is August 20, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by August 31, 2026.
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