South Africa's first harbour-based fishing net recycling project recycled nearly 25 t of end-of-life fishing net collected from local fishing companies in the first year of the pilot project.

The project, based at Collier Jetty at the V&A Waterfront, in Cape Town, is backed by industry organisation the South African Deep-Sea Trawling Industry Association (SADSTIA) and funded through the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC's) Ocean Stewardship Fund.

SADSTIA's support and MSC's funding have underpinned the project since its launch in May 2025. The recycling plant began operating in September 2025 and is the first facility of its kind in South Africa.

The on-site micro-recycling plant and a storage facility for nets awaiting processing is housed in two shipping containers.

The plant uses on-site equipment to shred end-of-life fishing nets to turn them into reusable plastic materials. This reduces landfill waste, helps prevent pollution and supports a circular economy within the fishing industry, offering a scalable model for tackling marine plastic waste.

Between September 3, 2025, and August 31 this year, the project collected 13.8 t of end-of-life fishing net from fisheries Oceana, 7.9 t from I&J and 2.6 t from Sea Harvest, with a combined total of just under 25 t.

Of this, 19.9 t has already been recycled into flakes. Production has picked up significantly in recent months, which pushed flake production above 5 t in March for the first time, says SADSTIA.

Nonprofit organisation OCEAN Action Network initiated and manages the project. It is exploring new markets and buyers for the recycled net flakes with a view to increasing revenue. An update is expected in the coming month as discussions with potential buyers continue.

The project also benefits from the support of the V&A Waterfront, which donates water, electricity, the use of a Cruise Terminal forklift and a lease for the project's premises.

“This figure is proof of the commitment of the three companies, as well as the determination shown by Mtubana Networks Recyclers founder and MD Bukiwe Tshetsha-Mndayi,” says OCEAN Action Network MD Estelle van der Merwe.

“This first year has taught me patience, determination, leadership and, most importantly, resilience. I have learned that building something meaningful does not happen overnight,” says Tshetsha-Mndayi.