This international recognition places Jono’s swim within a global programme advancing ocean science, protection and restoration.
Global Endorsement for Swim4TheOcean
By Live Ocean
06/03/2026
Read time: 3 min
Article Summary
Main Points
Jono Ridler is attempting to swim the entire east coast of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. To ignite New Zealanders around the race for a healthy ocean and a clear call to end bottom trawling. This is a Swim4TheOcean.
A swim that started with a simple idea in Aotearoa is now part of a global ocean movement.
Swim4TheOcean has been officially endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as an UN Ocean Decade Activity.
For Jono, this swim is about far more than distance. It’s about using human endurance to shine a light on the health of the ocean.
From engaging coastal communities around Aotearoa New Zealand to now being recognised within a global programme advancing ocean science, protection and restoration, the mission behind the swim is gaining real momentum.
As Jono swims down the rugged east coast of Te Ika-a-Māui the North Island, he is carrying a clear call to decision makers – end bottom trawling on all seamounts, at home and on the high seas, by 2027, and begin the transition away from bottom trawling entirely.
Because the future of the ocean depends on the choices we make today.
Join The Call To End Bottom Trawling
New Zealand is still bottom trawling seamounts in our own waters, and the only nation still bottom trawling seamounts in the South Pacific high seas.
It’s time to stop being an outlier and protect the ocean’s most vital habitats.
We’re calling on the New Zealand Government to end bottom trawling on all seamounts – at home and in the high seas by the end of 2027 – and to activate a quick transition away from bottom trawling entirely.
We are a nation of innovators and ocean people.
It’s time to do the right thing.
For the ocean. For our future.
Add your name to the
86,881 others calling for an end to bottom trawling!
86,881 others calling for an end to bottom trawling!
Thank you for getting behind Swim4TheOcean’s ambition for a healthy ocean and supporting our call for an end to bottom trawling!
Leave your message for Jono
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