Satellite Buoys Find New Purpose Beyond Tuna Fishing

Marine Instruments has introduced the Blue Recovery Programme, a global effort aimed at redefining marine waste management by recovering, recycling, and repurposing satellite buoys used in tropical tuna fishing.

This initiative reflects a growing commitment within the fishing sector to sustainability, turning oceanborne electronics into assets for science, conservation, and coastal communities rather than discarded waste.

Jorge Perez-Bouzada, Director of Sustainable Fishing at Marine Instruments, said, “With the Blue Recovery Programme, we take a step forward in our commitment to more sustainable fishing, where technology not only enhances fishing efficiency but also actively protects marine ecosystems.”

By applying a circular economy model, the programme extends the lifespan of advanced electronic devices that would otherwise contribute to marine pollution. Instead of being abandoned at sea or disposed of after use, recovered satellite buoys are evaluated, refurbished, and reintroduced into service with new, environmentally beneficial purposes. The Blue Recovery Programme is the product of a broad international collaboration between Marine Instruments and prominent organizations in the tuna fishing sector, with support from sustainability-focused associations and leading industry players.

Repurposed buoys are finding valuable second lives in a variety of applications, from tracking marine debris and monitoring coastal fishery resources to supporting Fishery Improvement Projects and studying ocean currents. They are also being used in the monitoring of whales and sea turtles, enhancing the work of environmental organizations, local communities, and marine research centers worldwide. In doing so, the initiative not only aids commercial fishing operations but also contributes to scientific knowledge and environmental stewardship.

Beyond equipment recovery, the programme actively encourages responsible operational practices, provides sustainability guidance to industry stakeholders, and fosters opportunities for circular innovation in the marine technology space. The Blue Recovery Programme stands as a model for how the fishing industry can evolve through collaboration, technology, and a shared responsibility for the ocean.