Project ReCon tackles marine debris in Somalia’s waters

SOMALIA – Satlink, a Spain-based satellite communications company, has partnered with the Somalia-based NGO MARCOD (Marine Research and Coastal Development Center) to launch Project ReCon in Somali waters from 2026, a program that recovers end-of-life fishing gear, mainly echosounder buoys used by large tuna fleets, and reuses or recycles them instead of letting them pollute the ocean.

The project integrates satellite technology, recycling, and community-based action to tackle marine debris while supporting local fisheries.

Launched in 2022, Project ReCon now operates across 24 countries and territories, supported by more than 150 fishing vessels and 25 companies.

Somalia’s strategic position along the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, near key tuna fishing grounds, makes it a vital new focus for the program. In addition, it has the longest mainland coastline in Africa at 3,300 kilometres and will serve as an ideal testing ground for an innovative marine clean-up initiative.

Project ReCon transforms legacy technology into useful tools, demonstrating how private companies, NGOs, and local communities can collaborate to clean oceans, improve livelihoods, and strengthen economic resilience. 

Technology meets local fisheries

Marine debris, especially abandoned or lost fishing equipment, is one of the most harmful forms of ocean pollution. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor waste management and marine pollution harm both ecosystems and local communities, affecting food security and public health.

Marine debris affects aquaculture. Plastic waste and broken gear lower water quality, increase disease risks in farmed fish, and damage cages and coastal infrastructure.

In Somalia, the problem is visible. Stranded fishing gear damages coral reefs, reduces fish stocks, and creates hazards for small-scale fishers navigating strong currents and seasonal storms. 

Artisanal fisheries provide a key source of income and protein for coastal communities, so marine debris directly affects both livelihoods and food supply.

Under Project ReCon, recovered buoys will be refurbished and repurposed as vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and tracking devices for local fishing boats, enhancing safety at sea. Non-reusable gear will be sent to a recycling hub, where components can be resold or repurposed.

“Fishers’ safety is crucial for coastal communities along the Somali coast,” said Abdishakur Farah, Co-Founder and Director of MARCOD Center. “Marine debris has been a growing challenge. Project ReCon gives us the tools to tackle this in a practical and sustainable way.”

In addition to improving safety, the project helps Somalia better manage its fisheries, which is important as the country seeks to grow its blue economy and attract investment in marine resources.

Linking ocean health to climate resilience

Project ReCon fits into wider environmental and economic efforts in Somalia. 

In 2025, the Federal Government, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), launched a USD 12 million climate resilience project covering 17 cities from 2026 to 2030. 

The program aims to improve the lives of more than 850,000 people by enhancing urban planning, expanding green infrastructure, and supporting small businesses, including women-led enterprises.

As Kathryn Gavira, Satlink’s Head of Science and Sustainability, put it: “Our goal is not just to remove marine debris but to build stronger coastal communities for the long term.”

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