Background:
Ross Edgley is an ultra-marathon sea swimmer, ocean conservationist, and citizen scientist known for combining record-breaking swims with cutting-edge marine research and conservation. Through his large social media platform and daring athletic feats, he raises awareness for ocean issues through feats like the 1,780-mile (2,860 km) swim around Great Britain in 2018, earning "Performance of the Year" from the World Open Water Swimming Association, and holding Guinness World Records for sea and river swims, including a 318-mile (510 km) Yukon River swim in 2024. His expeditions, often televised, include a National Geographic/Disney+ documentary where he competed against sharks in an innovative sports science study praised for its insights into shark behavior and conservation. In 2025, Edgley will swim 900 miles around Iceland, contributing to citizen science research on pollutants, plankton, and climate impacts on marine ecosystems.
Mission:
Biological studies will include testing for plankton and collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) samples in collaboration with the South Iceland Nature Research Centre and the University of Iceland, exploring how global warming is contributing to the decline in seabird populations with Dr. Erpur Hansen, analyzing microfibers with the University of Victoria, and investigating persistent pollutants like flame retardants with Portsmouth University and the University of Iceland. This research will assess the health of Iceland’s waters and determine how widespread these contaminants are. Ross’s body will also be tested before and after the swim. Swimming at an average speed of 2.4 mph (3.8 kph) for up to 16 hours a day, he provides a rare opportunity to study how prolonged exposure to water pollutants affects the human body.
Note: This project is in the early stages, and partnerships with leading scientists are still being finalized.
Research Impacts & Applications:
Ross Edgley’s 900-mile swim around Iceland will advance citizen science by collecting critical data on marine pollutants, plankton, and climate change impacts in collaboration with leading research institutions. Daily water sampling will analyze plankton, environmental DNA (eDNA), microfibers, and persistent pollutants like flame retardants to assess ecosystem health. His swim also provides a rare opportunity to study how prolonged exposure to polluted waters affects the human body through pre- and post-swim testing. This research will deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems and their connection to human health, supporting global conservation efforts.
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