Race to save our oceans as epic UK row returns

THE GB Row Challenge is a 2,000-mile rowing race around Britain’s coastlines and arguably the toughest rowing race in the world.

The challenge, which will run from June 12 to mid-July, will redefine the purposedriven sport as the athletes taking part are collaborating with scientists from the University of Portsmouth.

As the crews row nonstop and unsupported, they will collect scientific data from around the British Isles. Data on microplastics, temperature, sound and noise pollution, and biodiversity will create a unique insight into the multiple challenges facing British waters.

It will also be the first time this has been done in a continuous loop around the UK for all these different data sets.

Oceans are critical carbon and heat sinks, putting them on the front line in the fight against climate change.

They are also linked to our livelihood, especially since more than 50 per cent of the human population lives in coastal zones, meaning that ocean health is a vital component of our health.

Three crews of six will race in June with members including Paralympians, Olympians and scientists who will represent Britain as a whole.

Lead researchers for the project include Dr Fay Couceiro, Dr Andrew Lundgren,

Professor Alex Ford and Dr Kat Bruce.

The crews hope to raise awareness of the wonders of British waters and the need to protect them while working alongside Active Row as an outreach partner.

For outreach, they will engage with hundreds of schools across the country and build an interactive virtual platform so they can follow the racing boats and compete against them.