INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Fishery Innovation Intern

CompanyOceana Inc
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 16, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will support U.S. campaigns by researching innovative fishing gear technologies and synthesizing regulatory and stakeholder information. They will also assist in drafting reports, maintaining databases, and facilitating outreach to key decision-makers.
Internship Type
intern
Salary Range
$23 - $24
Company Size
582
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 275 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more. For interest in corporate partnerships please email partnerships@oceana.org
About the Role

The Fishery Innovation intern works closely with Oceana’s U.S. Fisheries Innovation Director in support of Oceana’s U.S. campaigns that aim to reduce entanglement of whales in fishing gear. The intern will synthesize scientific, regulatory, industry, and stakeholder information; document where and how innovative systems are being tested or deployed; and evaluate potential to advance innovations in selected fisheries. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

Essential Functions:

  • Research and compile information on innovative fishing gear technologies, including where and how they are being tested and used in U.S. fisheries.
  • Research the regulatory context for innovative fishing gear across state and federal fisheries and summarize findings for staff.
  • Assist Oceana with outreach to key decision makers and stakeholders, including drafting correspondence, scheduling and tracking meetings, and delivering materials.
  • Support staff-led stakeholder interviews by helping prepare questions, taking notes, and asking follow-up questions.
  • Contribute research and draft sections of a report on findings across U.S. fisheries.
  • Update and maintain a database of testing results for innovative fishing gear.
  • Other duties as needed.


Job Requirements 

Education and work experience:

  • Currently enrolled in a graduate program, or holder of a master’s or doctoral degree, in marine science, fisheries science, marine policy, environmental policy, natural resource management, public policy, or a closely related field. 
  • Experience in fisheries research or innovative fishing gear testing (volunteer or paid) preferred 

Skills and knowledge:

  • Strong interest and knowledge of U.S. fisheries management, protected-species conservation, marine policy, or fishing-gear technology.
  • Knowledge of U.S. fisheries management, protected-species conservation, marine policy, or fishing-gear technology.
  • Strong research skills, including literature review, source evaluation, qualitative or quantitative analysis, and accurate documentation.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information to varied audiences.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple research tasks, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
  • Sound judgment and professionalism when engaging with fishers, agencies, researchers, industry representatives, and advocacy partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate scientific evidence with policy and management analysis.
  • Excellent attention to detail 
  • Good computer skills 
  • Energy, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to learn 
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion within ocean policy 

Required competencies: 

  • Action oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. 
  • Instills trust: gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. 
  • Collaborates: Brings people together to leverage their skills, talents, and knowledge to achieve a common purpose. 
  • Communicates effectively: Understands the value of effective communication. 
  • Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same.


The salary range for this internship opportunity is $22.50-23.50 per hour.

Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.

Oceana’s U.S. offices operate on a hybrid schedule, and staff are required to work from their assigned office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With agreement between the employee and their supervisor, the employee may work from home on Monday and Friday.

Please apply by October 30, 2026. Please include a cover letter and writing sample with your application.

Key Skills
Fisheries managementMarine policyEnvironmental policyResearch skillsLiterature reviewData analysisTechnical writingCommunication skillsStakeholder engagementProject managementAttention to detailComputer skillsCollaborationPublic policyNatural resource management
Categories
Environmental & SustainabilityScience & ResearchGovernment & Public SectorConsulting