How does Mindful Money identify companies harming our Oceans?
This research examines how global companies impact ocean health - from deep seas to coastal waters - through the operations of publicly listed companies and their investors.
We focus on five major drivers of ocean degradation: plastic pollution, waste dumping, physical destruction of marine habitats, overfishing, and climate emissions. While oceans are affected by various interconnected factors including land use and freshwater pollution, this report concentrates on the direct impacts of investment flows to companies causing measurable harm.
Our methodology identifies publicly listed transnational corporations that are both the largest contributors to ocean degradation and whose impacts are most severe for long-term ocean health. We prioritise public companies because investors have clearer pathways to hold them accountable. The ocean economy is highly concentrated - the 100 largest companies generate 60% of revenues - so our profiled companies represent a substantial portion of ocean-related sectors.
This is the first in our nature research series, with forthcoming reports covering forests, freshwater systems, and atmospheric impacts. We welcome feedback and will continue updating our data to include additional companies causing ocean harm.