Project ReCon was launched a year ago by Spanish technology group Satlink to recover and re-use the sounder bouys used in tropical tuna fisheries. These are reconditioned and passed on for scientific and environmental uses.
The venture began a year ago with NGO partner Tangaroa Blue Foundation, and has more than a hundred participating vessels and 22 tuna fishing companies.
After taking its first steps in Australia with Tangaroa Blue Foundation through the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI), Project ReCon has also gained the support of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Pacific Community (SPC), as local partners. As of today, the project has extended its reach to a total of eight countries, allowing it to be present in the major oceans where tropical tuna fishing occurs.
‘Project ReCon not only helps prevent these devices from becoming technological waste due to ocean currents or adverse weather conditions, but also reconditions them for scientific and environmental purposes, such as marking and monitoring marine debris, scientific research, or prevention of natural disasters. Since its inception, over four tonnes of ghost nets have been collected thanks to ReCon buoys,’ said Kathryn Gavira, Satlink’s Head of Science and Sustainability.
Project ReCon received the Tuna Awards 2023, hosted by the Anfaco-Cecopesca association and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. The award recognised the unique nature of Project ReCon and its contribution to the sustainability of the fishing industry.
Tuna fishing companies involved in Project ReCon include 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
