International Symposium Media Scholarships

Media Scholarships are offered to attend the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium.

Open to reporters, editors, science writers and freelance journalists in print, broadcast and online media SeaWeb, a global, non-profit organization, is offering travel scholarships for media to attend the world’s preeminent summit on coral reef science and management.

At this year’s International Coral Reef Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from July 7 to 11, the media will have access to leading ocean experts from around the world and to press briefings on the latest scientific findings, as well as a field trip to see firsthand the threats to coral reefs.

Key focuses of the symposium include the challenges that climate change, overfishing and pollution pose to coral reefs.

Symposium sessions will be held in a question-driven format, with reports and breaking news on:

- The emerging link between ocean acidification and coral reef health

- Diseases killing coral reefs around the world

- Recovery of coral reef ecosystems following bleaching episodes

- Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

The scholarships, which will be applied to travel and/or accommodation expenses, will be based on need, point of origin and the ability of the media organization to help defray costs.

To apply, please submit the following (not to exceed three pages):

- Brief CV or bio, including concise descriptions of key coverage as it relates to coral reefs, oceans, science or the environment.

- Three clips or samples of coverage, especially any pieces relevant to this issue.

- Freelancers should include a list of outlets that routinely publish your articles and provide contact information or letters of interest from two outlets that are interested in news from the symposium.

- List of coral reefs issues are of interest to you.

- Description (not to exceed one page) of why you would like to attend the symposium, how your coverage would benefit, story angles you would like to pursue, and details on your media outlet and audience.

Deadline: Friday, March 7,

E-mail: cknutson[at]seaweb.org

For further details, and application materials, contact: International Symposium Media Scholarships