Published in Scientific Reports, a study led by the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) examines marine biomass patterns across different habitats, depths and times of day, using acoustic data collected with fishing buoys recovered through Satlink's Project ReCon.
Technology originally developed for the tuna industry is now contributing to scientific research in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago. Conducted by BCSS researchers in collaboration with Satlink and Universal Plastic, the study used reconditioned Satlink echosounder buoys to collect acoustic data, which were analyzed alongside oceanographic measurements and underwater biodiversity surveys.
Investigating marine biomass in the Bazaruto Archipelago
During June and July 2025, researchers deployed the buoys across coral reefs, seamounts and other marine habitats, collecting acoustic observations down to 115 meters.
The study generated 393 acoustic records and 1,281 depth-layer observations, with nighttime acoustic signals 20% to 40% stronger than those recorded during the day. These observations were analyzed alongside environmental measurements and biodiversity surveys to investigate variations in marine biomass patterns.
Although further calibration is needed to estimate absolute fish biomass or identify individual species, the findings demonstrate the potential of reconditioned smart buoys as an additional source of scientific information.
Giving fishing technology a second life through Project ReCon
More than 20 Satlink buoys were recovered along the coastlines of five African countries, with support from local communities, and reconditioned at the BCSS research station on Benguerra Island through Project ReCon, Satlink's circular economy initiative.
Equipped with echosounders and satellite connectivity, the buoys collected and transmitted acoustic observations in near real time, demonstrating how technology developed for fisheries can support marine ecosystem research.
Kathryn Gavira, Head of Science and Sustainability at Satlink, said: "In Bazaruto, BCSS has demonstrated how this project not only improves access to data and technology for coastal communities, but also how fishing-technology can serve a wider purpose and contribute to ocean knowledge as a whole."
New opportunities for ocean observation
The findings suggest that networks of reconditioned fishing buoys could complement existing monitoring systems and support more frequent observations across wider marine areas.
As Dr. Mario Lebrato, lead author of the study and Chief Scientist at the BCSS Ocean Observatory, explains: "The long-term vision is not simply to collect more data. It is to build the scientific infrastructure needed to measure environmental change and provide credible evidence of whether marine conservation and restoration efforts are delivering results."
Further research will be needed to assess these applications. The study, co-funded by Universal Plastic through the EU's NextGenerationEU program, also provides a basis for exploring additional monitoring capabilities, including the potential integration of sensors to study marine plastic pollution.
Read the full study: Repurposed smart tuna-fishing buoys provide real-time intelligence for marine conservation and ocean observation. Scientific Reports, November 3, 2026.
Link to scientific publication
Photo credits: Kisawa Sanctuary (Mozambique) y Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS).
