A partnership between the purse seine industries and a Seychelles start-up is recycling fishing nets
The project launched by OPAGAC and Orthongel is in conjunction with Brikole Ltd, a new local start-up managed by the NGO, Sustainability for Seychelles.
“This is a groundbreaking project to which OPAGAC companies are proud to contribute by donating end-of-life fishing nets for effective recycling, generating added value in Seychelles,” said Dr Julio Morón, managing director of OPAGAC.
”The project confirms the commitment of the tuna industry with sustainable practices and with local economic development.”
Sustainability drive
The Seychellean Department of Blue Economy has been collaborating with the tuna industry for some time to promote the recycling of end-of-life fishing nets used by purse seiners operating in Seychelles.
As part of the effort, OPAGAC has financed since 2019 an evaluation project in consultation with the local stakeholders to find feasible solutions. The Brikole start-up is the joint achievement of this long run work.
In a press statement, Brikole said that there will be a first phase whereby the net repair yard will be cleared of old nets and tools, followed by a second phase with the construction of a local recycling facility where the nets will be processed, maximising the economic value from previously unwanted material. This will also create new jobs in Seychelles.
Xavier Leduc, president of Orthongel, which represents French and Italian tuna purse seiners, said: “This cooperation with an innovative startup involved in the circular and blue economy of Seychelles will not only prevent the waste of old fishing nets but also guarantee that they are recycled.”
Brikole said it can already rely on the donation of end-of-life nets from a total of 29 vessels: Eight from Spain, six from Seychelles, 11 from France, three from Mauritius and one from Italy. The project is also open to other purse seine operators.
