Louisville, CO – April 23, 2025 – This spring, onWater Fish and Science on the Fly (SOTF) are set to debut the Science on the Fly Conservation Observation Tool—a groundbreaking advancement in tech-enabled conservation. Built for SOTF’s network of 150+ volunteer community scientists, the tool will be available exclusively through the onWater app.

Replacing traditional field notebooks, this mobile-first platform offers a streamlined, intuitive interface for logging environmental observations in real time. From water temperature and insect hatches to visual habitat assessments, every entry becomes part of a larger effort to fuel river restoration, influence environmental policy, and deepen scientific understanding of watershed health.

Anglers as Stewards: Community Science Meets Innovation

With more than 350 sampling locations across the U.S. and abroad, Science on the Fly volunteers collect water samples analyzed by Woodwell Climate Research Center. These chemical analyses—combined with field data such as water temperature, insect hatches, and habitat conditions—help build a deeper understanding of watershed health.

Designed for the Field, Inspired by the River

Science on the Fly engages volunteer anglers and guides across North America in monthly water sampling and watershed observations. The new SOTF Conservation Observation Tool was built to support that work in the field—with geolocated entries, streamlined forms, and intuitive design that make consistent contributions easier than ever.

“The true measure of conservation lies not just in data, but in the felt experience of our connection to the natural world,” said John Le Coq, Founder of Fishpond and Co-Founder of Science on the Fly. “Through mindful observation with the onWater Fish tool and embodied action, anglers can become the stewards our waters need.”

Conservation in Action: Advancing Community Science During Earth Week and Beyond

As we celebrate Earth Week and Community Science Month, this upcoming release underscores the vital role that volunteers can play in protecting freshwater ecosystems. At a time when pollution, climate change, and habitat loss continue to threaten rivers and watersheds, tools like this one help empower meaningful action. By tracking water quality, identifying pollution, and documenting environmental change, community scientists provide critical data to help researchers monitor long-term trends, understand climate impacts, and inform conservation policy at local and national levels.

About Science on the Fly

Science on the Fly is a community science initiative focused on understanding and protecting global freshwater ecosystems through grassroots river sampling, community observation, and long-term scientific research. Founded by Fishpond and Woodwell Climate Research Center, SOTF is transforming how data is gathered and shared while striving for clean rivers, healthy watersheds, abundant fish, and a bright future.

About onWater

onWater Fish is the #1 mobile app designed to empower anglers of all skill levels to find success on the water, while promoting conservation awareness and responsible fishing practices. The app provides users with real-time fishing information, interactive maps, catch tracking tools, and a platform for sharing experiences. Learn more at www.onwaterapp.com.

Media Contact
Laura Buckmaster
onWater
laura@buckmasterconsulting.com

Partnerships and Community Engagement Inquiries
Lindsay Kocka
onWater
lindsay@onwaterapp.com

For more information about the Conservation Observation Tool, visit www.onwaterapp.com or subscribe to Science on the Fly’s newsletter to stay in the loop.