Fishery Innovation Intern

Oceana Inc • Washington, DC

1d • $23 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fishery Innovation Intern works closely with Oceana’s U.S. Fisheries Innovation Director to support U.S. campaigns aimed at reducing whale entanglement in fishing gear. The intern synthesizes scientific, regulatory, industry, and stakeholder information; documents where and how innovative systems are being tested or deployed; and evaluates the potential to advance innovations in selected fisheries.

The role includes research into innovative fishing gear and its regulatory context, outreach support, participation in stakeholder interviews, report research and drafting, and maintenance of a database of testing results. Oceana’s U.S. offices follow a hybrid schedule: staff work from their assigned office Tuesday through Thursday and may work from home Monday and Friday with supervisor agreement. Applications are due by October 30, 2026, and must include a cover letter and writing sample.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program, or hold 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.
• Strong interest and 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, including 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.
• 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 and understands the value of effective communication.
• Ensures accountability: follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in fisheries research or innovative fishing gear testing, whether volunteer or paid.

Responsibilities

• Research and compile information on innovative fishing gear technologies, including where and how they are 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 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.
• Perform other duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern