The Skillie Project

OUR MISSION

The Skillie Project, an initiative of The Billfish Foundation, is dedicated to advancing the conservation of Nantucket’s beloved White Marlin population by partnering with the local community and using satellite tagging data to gain a better understanding of their migratory patterns and support effective management strategies.

The goal of The Skillie Project is to gain a better understanding of the White Marlin (“Skillie”) population off the coast of New England, focusing on their migratory patterns, habitat use, and population dynamics. By leveraging satellite tag data and scientific research, in partnership with The University of Maine, The Skillie Project aims to inform and drive effective conservation strategies, support sustainable fisheries management, and foster greater public awareness of the importance of protecting one of Nantucket’s most-prized game fish.

Involving local captains, fishery pioneers, and the greater fishing communities of southeastern New England, The Skillie Project marks The Billfish Foundation’s largest White Marlin satellite tagging mission.

Meet the TEam

SCIENCE

Satellite tags are used to help researchers understand the location, depth, and behavior of billfish. Observations from this research are also used to help the management community make better informed decisions about billfish conservation and sustainability. Satellite tags used for The Skillie Project are programmed to remain on the fish for eight or twelve months.

What does a satellite tag capture?
Light levels, pressure (for depth), and ambient water temperature. Light data gives an idea which longitude the fish is traveling through, while sophisticated models pair the tag’s temperature and depth data with high-resolution oceanographic databases to gain a latitude estimate. From these data points, researchers gather precise location estimates for each day of the tag’s deployment.

How does it work?
Fish captured on rod and reel are brought near the boat and carefully implanted with a satellite tag while remaining in the water. Fish are then released, and for the next eight to twelve months, the tag will record data. Once the tag reaches its programmed time limit, it detaches and floats to the surface where the tag then transmits real-time data to satellites, which is sent to researchers for analysis.

Community

Partnering with key community members is essential to advancing the mission of The Skillie Project. By working closely with individuals and organizations who share our dedication to white marlin conservation, we amplify our impact and foster a network of support that extends from local waters to global initiatives.

Capt. Bob Goodwin,
Fishery Pioneer

Doug Lindley,
Fishery Pioneer

George Bassett

Matt Reinemo,
Nantucket Tackle

Jonas Baker &
Brotherhood of Thieves

Bonnie Lema &
Nantucket Anglers Club

Slip 14

Cisco Brewery

Pete's Fish Tales

MEET THE TEAM

Capt. John Galvin

Captain, El Diablo
Founding Member

Matt Rissell

Film Producer
Founding Member

Capt. Robbie Goodwin

Captain, Scup Slayer

Dr. Walter Golet

Lead Scientist, UMaine

Sammi Nadeau

Scientist, UMaine

Capt. Martin Scanlan

Captain, Whiskey
UMaine

Peter Chaibongsai

Project Lead, The Billfish Foundation

Hannah Trotter

Project Communications

Capt. Joe Gugino

Project Partnerships

Matt Foley

Photographer

ABOUT THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works globally to advance the conservation of billfish and associated highly migratory species through research, advocacy and education. Founded in 1986 by Winthrop P. Rockefeller, Dr. Eric Prince, and a group of fifty founding members, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) fosters strong billfish conservation ethics to educate anglers of all generations and provide a voice for billfish and the global recreational sport fishing industry. TBF’s Tag & Release program, which began in 1990, has grown to be the largest international private billfish tagging program with over 280,000 reports, and serves as a cornerstone of its mission. With a focus on integrating science and policy, TBF continues to be a leader in influencing effective fishery management solutions that benefit both billfish populations and the angling community. For more information, visit www.billfishfoundation.org or follow on social media @TheBillfishFoundation.

OUR MISSION

SCIENCE

PARTNERS

Community

MEET THE TEAM

ABOUT THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION

The Skillie
Project