About Our Technology
Local knowledge. Shared understanding.
Skipper Science is powered by the Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) software platform, a community-based environmental monitoring system developed for use in remote communities. Skipper Science applies this technology specifically to fisheries, giving fishermen a practical way to record observations from the water and contribute them to collaborative research and monitoring programs.
Turning observations into insight.
Photos & Media
Capture observations in different ways. Add photos, audio notes, locations and maps to help record and share what you’re seeing on the water.
Works offline
Capture observations anywhere.
Record observations without cell service or Wi-Fi. Upload them when you’re connected again.
Structured data
Turn observations into useful data.
Simple forms turn observations into consistent information that can be understood and used over time.
Built for Different Needs
From everyday observations to focused research, programs can be built around different questions and goals.
Connect knowledge and science
Local knowledge belongs in the conversation.
Bring fishermen’s knowledge together with research to better understand changes on the water.
Start Using Skipper Science
Data Collection
Built together. Designed for the information that matters.
Skipper Science forms are created in collaboration with fishermen, communities, and program partners. Each form is designed around what the program wants to learn and the observations fishermen can make on the water.
Forms can be adapted to collect different types of information—from species sightings and environmental conditions to fishing activity, unusual events, photos, and locations.
The goal is simple: make it quick and easy to record useful observations while you’re out on the water.
Where does the data go?
Your observations. Your trust matters.
Skipper Science is part of the Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN), a platform designed to help communities collect and manage their own information while protecting privacy and Indigenous data sovereignty.
When you submit an observation, your data stays connected to the program and community you collected it for. Working with researchers or other partners doesn’t automatically give them access to your data.
You know who can access your data
Every program has a Data Access Policy (DAP). Think of it as the rules for your data. It explains:
Before you start submitting observations to a program, you’ll have a chance to review and agree to its Data Access Policy.
That means you know the rules before you share your first observation.
Download Skipper Science App
Skipper Science is technology built to support collaboration between fishermen, scientists, managers, and communities.
