Satlink and MARCOD implement the ReCon project in Somalia to transform fishing technology into maritime security systems

 

The technology company Satlink and the Centro de Investigación Marina y Desarrollo Costero (MARCOD) have launched the project ReCon en SomaliaThe goal is to recover and recycle fishing tracking devices to strengthen the safety of Somali artisanal fishing fleets.

 

Circular economy applied to maritime safety in the Indian Ocean

 

After months of technical collaboration, the alliance between Satlink y MARCOD marks a milestone in the environmental management of the longest coastline of África continental. The project ReCon introduces for the first time in the country a model of circular economy designed specifically for the fishing industry.

 

Thanks to the support of the purse seine sector and the main fleets operating in the Océano ÍndicoThe buoys that have reached the end of their useful life will be refurbished. These devices will be transformed into tracking systems (VMS) for local vessels operating in demanding oceanographic conditions, substantially improving the resilience of coastal communities.

 

Strategic and logistical impact of the agreement

 

The geographical location of SomaliaIts proximity to major tropical tuna fishing grounds makes this region a critical point for marine debris recovery. According to Abdishakur Farah, co-founder and director of MARCOD“The safety of fishermen is crucial for coastal communities. The project ReCon "It gives us access to the technology needed to address the problem of marine litter in a practical and sustainable way."

 

To operationalize the project, a logistics center specializing in the storage and recycling of equipment will be established. The protocols were originally developed with the Australian NGO. Tangaroa Blue FoundationThey will allow for generating additional income through the resale of components and the recycling of materials.

 

Key Indicator	ReCon Project Details
Global reach	24 countries and regions
Participation	+150 ships and 25 companies
Main goal	Recovery, reuse and recycling of fishing technology
Local applications	Maritime safety, VMS systems and marine research

 

Consolidation of fisheries sustainability

 

Three years after its inception, ReCon It has established itself as an international leader in ocean protection. The initiative not only prevents marine litter, but also transforms waste into tools for environmental monitoring and food security.

 

Kathryn Gavira, Director of Science and Sustainability of Satlink, he highlighted the importance of this expansion: “In a coastal region as sensitive and complex as Somalia"We couldn't imagine better partners to strengthen coastal communities in the long term."

 

• Recovery: Collection of buoys at the end of their useful life.
• Reconditioning: Transformation into monitoring systems for artisanal fishing.
• Sustainability: Compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the ONU.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the ReCon Project in Somalia

What will be done with the technology recovered in Somalia?
The buoys will be mainly converted into tracking devices and VMS systems to improve the maritime safety of artisanal fishermen against strong currents.

How does this project benefit the local Somali economy?
Through the creation of a logistics center and the generation of income through the resale of components and the recycling of materials from recovered equipment.

Who are the main partners in this initiative?
The project is led by the Spanish technology company Satlink in collaboration with the local NGO MARCOD and the support of the purse seine fleet of Océano Índico.