With the voyage posing a unique opportunity to collect samples around Iceland at low speeds, and over a long time period, it has generated interest across the scientific community.

It means that through his role, Solomon has been tasked with collecting four different types of data that it is hoped will highlights factors including microplastic levels, species diversity, and cetacean abundance and movement.

This has enabled him to apply transferable skills from his course, including understanding good practices when sampling as well as some previous experience using trawled equipment.

Alongside regular boat duties like cleaning, cooking and keeping watch, he has also assisted with filming content for social media and worked with a documentary team recording the expedition.

Solomon says:

“A lot of our assignments have helped me to communicate science to a mixed audience. That is particularly important when talking about it for TV or social media, as communication with the public is – in many ways – as important as the actual science.”

The record attempt is currently expected to continue until the end of August, although much of that is dependent on weather and wave condition around the Iceland coast.

In spite of his daily sampling as other duties, Solomon says the biggest challenges are boredom, the lack of running hot water or the opportunity to properly exercise, something he and the crew only get to do on occasions when they return to shore.