Project ReCon was launched in December 2022 by Spanish tech specialist Satlink to recover echosounder buoys used in tropical tuna fishing and recondition them for scientific and environmental purposes.
This week Satlink received the Tuna Awards 2023 in the ‘Blue Transition’ category for Project ReCon and its work on this circular economy initiative to repurpose end-of-life fishing buoys used in tropical tuna fishing.
The award ceremony took place in Vigo, presided over by the Spanish Fisheries Management Director, Ignacio Gandarias, and the Conselleiro do Mar, Alfonso Villares.
Described as ‘pioneer and unique in its field’ by Iván Alonso, President of Anfaco and the award presenter, project ReCon has become one of the world’s most significant initiatives, paving the way for the future of fisheries sustainability. It recovers end-of-life echosounder buoys used by the tropical tuna purse seine fishing fleet, and reconditions them for scientific and environmental purposes, such as marine debris tracking, scientific studies, or natural disaster prevention, among others. Since its launch in December 2022, over 4 tonnes of ghost nets have been collected with ReCon buoys.
After its initial steps in Australia with Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, two major environmental organisations have recently joined ReCon: The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Pacific Community (SPC). As of today, the project has extended its reach to a total of eight countries.
A cornerstone of Project ReCon is its industry-wide support and involvement. Currently, more than 80 vessels from companies and organisations such as Albacora, Echebastar, Inpesca, OPAGAC/AGAC, Sapmer, Bolton Food Group, Cape Fisheries, Caroline Fisheries Corporation, Trimarine, Oakcity Tuna Fishing Corporation, Hartswater, and the entire US Pacific Tuna Group, among many others, are participating in the project.
According to the company, Satlink approaches these projects as part of its strategy to ensure the comprehensive sustainability of fishing activities. The United Nations (UN) Global Compact also recognised Satlink’s technology in 2022 for its contribution to ocean and marine life conservation, awarding it the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 prize. This recognition was followed in 2023 by the European Union Technology Chamber’s award.
