Start a Program
Skipper Science programs bring fishermen, researchers, and communities together to collect observations that address specific questions and research goals.
Each program is designed around its unique objectives, including what information is collected, how observations are recorded, and who can access the data.
Explore our existing programs to see how Skipper Science supports community-driven research and data collection.
Highly Customizable
Every program is set up around its own goals — from the questions it asks to the data it collects and who gets to see it.
Project
Set the research goals, protocols, and Data Access Policy (DAP) for your program.
Form
Choose what gets recorded — photos, audio notes, locations, measurements, and more.
Groups
Organize participants into groups so the right people contribute to the right program.
Control Access to Data
Decide who can see the data, how it can be used, and when it can be shared.
Who Can Start a Program?
Anyone — Skipper Science works with researchers, Tribal entities, community organizations, fisheries and conservation groups, and other partners interested in collecting data alongside fishing communities.
Are you a Tribal entity, or working with one?
Skipper Science runs on the Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN), built to help communities manage their own information and protect Indigenous data sovereignty.
Have a program idea?
Tell us what you want to learn. We’ll help you shape it into a program.
How Starting a Program Works
We’re here to help — you’re here to lead.
Connect
Tell the Skipper Science team about your idea and objectives.
Design
Discuss the research questions, participants, data collection needs, and data-access expectations.
Develop
Work together to establish the program’s forms, protocols, and setup and data collection approach.
Launch
Prepare participants and begin collecting observations when the program is ready. The exact process, timeline, and support arrangements depend on each project.
Review & Reporting
Discuss data quality, review, and reporting needs as part of program planning.
See Programs in Action
Talk With Us About Your Program Idea!
Share your questions and goals with the Skipper Science team, and we’ll help you plan the next steps.
Want to see it in action first?
Try the app now
