Season Two of The Skillie Project wrapped up with new sponsors, new science, and new momentum as the team continued its mission to uncover the mysteries of Nantucket’s unique white marlin population. Our team, partners, and sponsors came together to support this year’s effort, making meaningful progress, both on the water and within the broader community.
We’re excited to welcome back all of our first-year sponsors and to introduce an impressive lineup of new supporters across the sportfishing industry and scientific community. Their contributions power the science and outreach that make The Skillie Project successful, and it’s through their support that we can recognize the significance of this project and the true groundswell of support it has inspired. This year’s effort was proudly supported by our presenting sponsors: Viking, Valhalla, YETI, the MidAtlantic Tournament, and our newest sponsor, Okuma, whose continued leadership and commitment drove the project forward. Additionally, Season Two welcomed a new vessel, Riptide, a 74’ Viking helmed by Capt. Jac Paul-Hus.
To successfully deploy even one satellite tag on one of these white marlin in the Northeast is a feat in itself. Limited weather windows and short seasonal opportunities, combined with a famously elusive fish, all work together to create a moment suited only for top-tiered anglers. This season, our team deployed two. In fact, since 2024, our team of experts have now successfully deployed seven satellite tags on Nantucket’s white marlin. Of the tags deployed so far, three out of five have reported data back, including a huge milestone: the first-ever white marlin tag to complete its full, 12-month deployment. While it returned limited data, this achievement marks a significant step forward in understanding these remarkable fish.
Beyond the science, Season Two was also a celebration of community. During Brand Week in late August, challenging conditions prevented tagging, but the team was still able to host sponsors on the water, organize a series of engaging local events at Cisco Brewery and the Nantucket Boat Basin, and gather for a dinner celebration hosted by Riptide owners, Tom and Alex Ripley. These moments highlight the power of bringing anglers, scientists, and the community together for a shared cause.
With the 2025 season behind us, we will begin planning for Season Three, analyzing the tag data collected so far, and integrating new reports as they arrive. Each tag adds a piece to the puzzle of white marlin migration, behavior, and habitat use, providing critical insights to guiding future conservation.
Looking ahead, The Billfish Foundation is looking to expand partnerships through a broader white marlin research initiative. Tied to our “40 for 40” campaign, which seeks to get a commitment of 40 satellite tags to deploy in celebration of TBF’s 40th anniversary, TBF is looking to bridge the gap between research and angling as we continue to promote and conserve billfish and the sport we love.
Click here to learn more or support The Skillie Project.
Full list of Participants and Sponsors for The Skillie Project:
Boats:
El Diablo*^ · Scup Slayer*^ · Whiskey*^ · Riptide^
Presenting Sponsors:
Viking *^ · Valhalla *^ · YETI*^ · MidAtlantic Tournament*^ · Okuma^
Platinum Sponsors:
Nomadix*^ · Costa Sunglasses*^ · Roffs Marine Forecasting^ · Fish Northeast^ · Moore Yacht Sales^ · Oyster Harbor Marine^ · Costa Custom Boatworks^ · Champion Sports^ · UMaine Pelagic Lab* · Smyth McKissick*
Local Sponsors & Partners:
Nantucket Boat Basin^ · Cisco Brewers^ · Pete’s Fish Tales*^ · Nantucket Tackle* · Nantucket Anglers Club*^ · Great Harbor Digital*^ · Brotherhood of the Thieves*^ · Slip 14*^ · King Sailfish Mounts^ · Free Fly^ · Woody Creek^ · Scanlan Foundation^ · Skillie Shootout Tournament^ · Big Game Battle Tournament^ · Fresh Nantucket^ · Faraway Hotels^
* Season 1
^ Season 2
