ACCSP Launches SciFish

March 18, 2024

ACCSP is excited to announce the first round of SciFish applications is now open! Pre-applications will be accepted during this first round until April 1, 2024. The next deadline for pre-applications will be June 1, 2024.

We created a new mobile application that allows the public to participate in scientific research by collecting and sharing data on Atlantic coast fisheries. This app standardizes the collection of citizen science data from Atlantic coast fisheries by providing a single platform for multiple data collection projects. The project builder allows researchers to create new data collection projects with minimal resources. Projects developed in SciFish will focus on collecting data for marine and/or diadromous fisheries along the Atlantic coast. The projects will help address current data gaps and research needs, clearly explain how collected data will be used in management and stock assessments, and encourage collaboration between scientists and fishermen.

Projects developed in the SciFish platform must have an ACCSP partner as a principal investigator (PI) or be sponsored by an ACCSP partner. Partner sponsors must provide a letter of support explaining the project’s value, how the collected data will be used, and a plan to monitor progress. Sponsorship allows partners to endorse/support a SciFish project that contributes to fisheries management. Whether PI’s are from an ACCSP partner or sponsored by one, all must submit applications to develop a citizen science project within the SciFish platform and are responsible for acquiring funding for their projects. Project approval provides access to the SciFish platform, but does not include monetary support from ACCSP.

The SciFish application process has multiple steps, including pre- and full application submissions and reviews. The timeline for these steps is below. More information, including the full policy document that has templates for pre- and full applications can be found on the SciFish page of the ACCSP website (https://www.accsp.org/what-we-do/scifish/)