After a successful first year, the Skillie Project is officially ramping up for its second season off Nantucket, and we couldn’t be more excited. The white marlin, locally nicknamed “skillies,” are already beginning to show up offshore, and our team is eager to hit the water to learn more about this locally beloved fishery.

Our timeline is tight, just four to six weeks to get the tags deployed, but our goal remains the same: to gather as much movement and behavioral data as possible to help better understand white marlin, specifically off the Cape. These tags will transmit valuable information about migration routes, dive depths, and habitat preferences, shedding light on how these fish use the region (as well as other areas).

Season one of the Skillie Project brought the first-ever satellite tagging effort focused on white marlin in this area, and we were thrilled by the community response. From local anglers and captains, to dockside supporters and conservation-minded partners, Nantucket’s fishing community proved to be an essential part of the success. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum in season two and beyond, further spotlighting the people, the fish, the community, and the unique offshore ecosystem that makes this effort so special.

The data received from the tags will not only help fill gaps in scientific understanding but also inform management decisions that impact recreational fishing access across the Atlantic.

Follow along as we document the action, share tagging updates, and highlight the incredible community that makes it all possible via our website and our social media.