An ultra-marathon swimmer from Aotearoa New Zealand has completed what is expected to be the longest unassisted stage swim ever. The record-breaking feat was a call for the New Zealand government to commit to ending bottom trawling.

Jono Ridler, a 36-year-old from Auckland swam 1,367 kilometres, from Te Whanganui-a-Tara to Wellington. He completed the epic journey in 468 hours.

Ridler undertook the challenge, named ‘Swim4TheOcean’ with marine conservation organisation Live Ocean, to draw attention to the impact of bottom trawling on Aotearoa New Zealand’s waters.

Bottom trawling is the most common commercial fishing method in Aotearoa New Zealand, according to industry body Seafood New Zealand. It is considered one of the most destructive forms of fishing practices: it creates high bycatch rates, often up to 60% waste, and the heavy nets physically damage and destroy reefs, seagrasses, coral reefs and other critical ocean habitats.

Ridler has battled dropping water temperatures, remote and isolated coastlines, fatigue, weather systems and relentless ocean exposure, all without a wetsuit. 

He set off on the 5 January 2026, and has since swum the equivalent of more than 41 English Channel crossings, supported by a small, highly experienced crew who managed his safety, and the challenge’s logistics. 

He finished the three month challenge in Whairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront, and was welcomed ashore by representatives of the local Te Āti Awa tribe and a huge crowd. Ridler then walked to Aotearoa New Zealand’s parliament, where he was met by the minister of Conservation, Hon Tama Potaka. 

When asked about the day Ridler said: “So many different emotions, over the moon to have done what we set out to do.”

“As I was swimming – just disbelief that it was actually happening, ” he added, “Seeing all of the boats out on the water, seeing everybody lining up along the boardwalk. And then that moment coming into Whairepo Lagoon, everybody on the bridge and all around – it was just crazy.

“But it shows how much people have come behind what we represent,” he added.

His swim has captured the attention of the public: 67,464 of New Zealanders have signed a call for action urging the 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.

Ridler said: “My hope is that this creates a moment for people to come around for the ocean. I hope that for everybody that was there, everybody watching from afar, and everybody who has supported us, that this is a moment that they remember for life and that it’s about a healthy ocean for a healthy future.”

The endurance swim is over, but Ridler’s campaign continues. On 29 April, Ridler and Live Ocean will return to Parliament to formally hand over the petition. 

Live Ocean Co-founder Blair Tuke said Ridler’s arrival in Wellington marked a pivotal moment: “What Jono and the team have achieved is one of the greatest individual endurance feats of all time. He has brought the country together and reminded us of the extraordinary things New Zealanders can achieve when we put our minds to it,” he said.

“For 90 days, Jono has shown us what courage, commitment and leadership looks like. Now, it’s our turn as a nation to stand with him and support the kaupapa for a healthy ocean by joining the call to end bottom trawling,” Tuke added.

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