Fishing for Litter in Guanabara Bay: 500 Tons removed and 100 Fishers empowered.

This month, BVRio’s Fishing for Litter programme reached an extraordinary milestone: 500 tonnes of waste removed from the islands, shores and mangroves of Guanabara Bay, thanks to over 100 artisanal fishers who have transformed their livelihoods by building with us a new circular economy from the sea.

“What we pull most from our nets isn’t fish, it’s rubbish. Our dream is to see that amount decrease. Now, with the programme, we’re recognised and paid for doing this.” — Branca Silva, artisanal fisher

This achievement was celebrated during Rio Ocean Week 2025, where participating fishers were honoured as Guardians of the Ocean with plaques made from recycled plastic.

Since 2021, Fishing for Litter has supported fishing communities by integrating marine litter collection twice a week, boosting income, strengthening local economies, and restoring dignity to a traditional way of life under threat.

“More than collecting waste, they now see themselves as part of the solution.” — Juliana Miranda, BVRio Circular Economy Analyst

Through partnerships with Ogyre, Ocyan, and local recycling cooperatives, the programme has: 🔹 Strengthened community leadership 🔹 Built Brazil’s first marine waste collectors’ cooperative 🔹 Connected fishers to verified recycling chains 🔹 Improved environmental health in critical mangrove ecosystems 🔹 Created a model ready for replication across the Global South

All materials are tracked through the KOLEKT app, ensuring transparency and enabling results-based financing via the Circular Credits Mechanism (CCM).

Join us in strengthening coastal communities and building circular economies from the shore up. Reach out to explore investment or partnership pathways aligned with your ESG goals.