Satlink’s Project ReCon Reaches the Caribbean and Broadens Footprint Across Eastern Africa

23 June 2025

BCSS deploying ReCon buoy for Ocean Observation. (Image credit: Jean du Sartel, Satlink)

Project ReCon, the pioneering circular economy initiative driven by Spanish technology company Satlink to recover and recondition fishing devices, continues to grow its global footprint through new partnerships and activities across key marine regions.

ReCon just landed in the Caribbean, through a partnership with Ripples to Waves, a grassroots NGO from St. Vincent & the Grenadines dedicated to ocean conservation through science, experience-based education, and art. By joining ReCon, Ripples to Waves will not only give new life to recovered fishing beacons but also join the efforts of the marine debris initiative ‘One Drop in the Ocean’ to bring awareness about marine debris, entanglement, and the effects it has on marine life and our coastal communities.

Meanwhile, ReCon is reinforcing its presence in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), where long-standing partner Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) in Mozambique—operator of a permanent Ocean Observatory in collaboration with Kisawa Sanctuary—has expanded its work into Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa. This broader collaboration allows for increased buoy recovery and reuse while fostering community engagement and partnerships with fishers and local organizations.

“Real-time ocean data feeds are transforming conservation, and with Satlink technology, we are turning science into action. Partnering with Satlink allows us to bring real-time ocean intelligence into the heart of marine sciences,” said Dr. Mario Lebrato, Manager of the Ocean Observatory at BCSS. “By harnessing live data streams, we can now track biodiversity, species richness, and ecosystem change as it happens, turning science into immediate insight. In a time of accelerating environmental pressure, this is the kind of bold, practical innovation the blue economy needs. We are proud to be building that future together with Satlink.”

With these additions, Project ReCon is now active in more than 20 countries and territories across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, solidifying its position as the world’s largest global program for recovering, reconditioning, and reusing echosounder buoys initially deployed in tropical tuna purse-seine fisheries.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with the Australian NGO Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, ReCon works closely with the fishing industry and leading environmental organizations to prevent buoys from becoming technological waste. Once reconditioned, these smart devices are repurposed for a wide range of scientific and conservation uses, including oceanographic research, marine debris tracking and monitoring, small-scale fisheries, and early warning systems.

“Project ReCon is proving that collaboration can drive real change in ocean sustainability,” said Kathryn Gavira, Head of Science and Sustainability at Satlink. “By giving this fishing technology a second life, we are not only reducing waste, but setting a new standard for how industry, science, and communities can work together to protect and better understand our oceans.”

Since its inception, Project ReCon has enabled the collection of more than 7 tons of ghost gear from the oceans and has received multiple international recognitions for its innovative approach and positive impact on the global fishing sector. These include the Tuna Awards (2023), Best Ideas of the Year (2024), and the World Maritime Week Award (2025), along with previous accolades from the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and the EU Technology Chamber for Satlink’s commitment to ocean conservation.