Ambassador Program

Fish On is launching our first Ambassador Program to help California’s fishing community shape the decisions that impact our access to a healthy and thriving coast and ocean.

We’re looking for anglers from across California who care deeply about the future of fishing and healthy ocean ecosystems, and who want to bring real angler perspectives and voices into regional and statewide conversations about fisheries and ocean management. You do not need to be a policy expert—you just need to care enough about fishing and want to play a role in shaping its future.

Fish On Ambassadors are confident, informed anglers who represent the Fish On community in public-facing settings, including Fish and Game Commission meetings and other decision-making forums. Ambassadors are not professional advocates; they are everyday anglers who want to learn how decisions are made, respectfully participate in the process, and share their lived experience to help shape a sustainable future for their community.

This pilot program is designed to build confidence, skills, and long-term relationships—supporting fishers and anglers who want to ensure a healthy and thriving ocean.

Why We’re Launching the Ambassador Program 

Fishery decisions affect:

  • Where and how we fish

  • Who has access to healthy fisheries

  • What species are healthy and abundant

  • Whether fishing traditions continue into the next generation

Too often, the only fishers in the room during the decision-making process are those with a financial stake in the outcome. The goal of this program is to ensure that everyday fishers learn how decisions are made, and feel comfortable showing up and sharing our authentic perspectives on ocean conservation based on their lived experience.

What You’ll Do as an Ambassador

  • We ask that all Ambassadors take part in 3-4 short, virtual trainings in advance of California Ocean Day (Tuesday, April 28, 2026). These will take approximately 6-8 hours in total.

  • Attend California Ocean Day in Sacramento (Tuesday, April 28, 2026). This will require travel to and from Sacramento, and will likely include an overnight stay. Travel will be paid for by Fish On.

  • Support online engagement around California Ocean Day, including sharing information about the fishery and ocean policy bills being discussed 

  • Represent the fishing community in respectful, real-world discussions, including at Fish and Game Commission meetings

  • Share your perspective through public comment or conversations

  • Potentially participate in MPA regional meetings and public comment opportunities

  • Help Fish On understand what’s happening on the water and the coast

We do not expect you to be an expert in fishery management or ocean policy - we just want you to be honest, curious, thoughtful, and engaged!

What You’ll Learn

By California Ocean Day, our Ambassadors will:

  • Understand how fishery decisions are made and how they can engage in the process

  • Feel confident speaking up in meetings that impact our fisheries

  • Take pride and ownership in our role protecting the ocean we depend on

  • Be able to represent Fish On at various meetings and engagements across the state to share their perspectives

  • Contribute to a future in which fishing is shaped by diverse fishing communities so we all have access to a healthy and thriving coast

Support & Perks

As part of your participation in the Fish On Ambassador program, you’ll receive:

  • A stipend to help offset your time and travel

  • Training, guidance, and support from Fish On staff

  • Fish On swag

  • New friends to fish with!

Who Should Apply

You should consider applying if:

  • You are 18 or older

  • You are a California resident who fishes recreationally in California (any method, any experience level, any frequency)

  • Fishing is important to your life or identity

  • You want fisheries to be healthy and accessible for current and future generations

  • You’re willing to learn how to show up and speak up respectfully

You do not need:

  • A big social media following

  • Policy experience

Before You Apply (Please Read)

  • This is a pilot program, and we will be selecting 3-4 fishers for our first cohort

  • Participation in this program includes public-facing activities

  • Attendance and participation in trainings and California Ocean Day is necessary to receive the stipend

  • The application process might require a short interview, conducted via phone or Zoom 

  • Selection is competitive, and not all applicants will be chosen

  • This is not a job - it’s a chance to help shape the future of fishing. Ambassadors are not paid employees or lobbyists.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Fish On is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. We encourage applications from fishers of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including, but not limited to: people of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, income levels, geographic regions, and fishing traditions.

We believe that strong, resilient fisheries depend on diverse voices and perspectives, and we are committed to reducing barriers to participation wherever possible. Prior policy experience, formal education, or professional credentials are not required to apply.

FAQs

  • Is becoming an Ambassador paid work?

    • No, this is not a job and is not considered paid work. We will offer stipends to help cover costs, so that participation is accessible to members of the fishing community throughout the state. 

  • I’ve never spoken at a meeting before. Is this for me?

    • As long as you’re interested in learning how decisions are made and helping shape the future for our fishing community, then this program is for you! You don’t need any prior experience engaging in the fishery or policy process - just a desire to learn.

  • Will I be told what to say?

    • No, Fish On will not tell you what to say. The Ambassador program is designed to help you better understand the process for engaging in decisions that impact our ocean, and empower you to offer your own voice and your perspective - not ours.

  • Do I have to agree with everything Fish On believes?

    • The only thing we request from our Ambassadors is that you engage respectfully and share our commitment to a healthy, thriving ocean.

  • Is there a stipend for the Ambassador program? What does it cover? 

  • Yes. Fish On Ambassadors will receive a stipend intended to offset the time and travel associated with participating in this program. This includes time spent in trainings, meetings, and program activities, as well as all travel costs related to attending California Ocean Day in Sacramento. This stipend is not a wage or salary, but rather a recognition of Ambassador contributions and is meant to reduce financial barriers to participation.

How to Apply

Fill out the short application linked here. Applications close February 20, 2026 at 5pm PT.