---
title: What is Project ReCon?
description: What is Project ReCon?
---

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19 January 2026

# What is Project ReCon?

## A world-first program that uses retrieved and repurposed satellite technology to track and remove deadly and destructive ghost nets

### How does Project ReCon work?

Since 2023, Tangaroa Blue has been working with fishing industry partner, Satlink, to repurpose as many lost GPS buoys (sometimes referred to as tuna trackers) as possible to help track and remove ghost gear (Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear) from the ocean.

When we find a tracker washed up on the beach, we test whether it can still be used. Satlink then reactivate the buoy, and we pass it to one of our [Project ReCon host vessels](https://take-action.tangaroablue.org/knowledge-base/can-i-host-a-project-recon-buoy?hsLang=en-au).

When our host vessels come across a large ghost net, they attach the Project ReCon buoy, and we activate its GPS tracking capabilities.

We then continue to track the ghost gear until we have found the right partners and resources to remove it from the ocean. The attached GPS tracker can then be used again!

Learn more about [Project ReCon](https://tangaroablue.org/project-recon/).

![New Project ReCon Bouy 2-1](https://take-action.tangaroablue.org/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Project%20ReCon%20Bouy%202-1.jpeg?width=670&height=447&name=New%20Project%20ReCon%20Bouy%202-1.jpeg)

 

*Project ReCon buoy host - Dive, Spear and Sport*

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