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Protecting Our Oceans

“I had fought on behalf of man against the sea, but I realized that it had become more urgent to fight on behalf of the sea against men.” – Alain Bombard, Biologist

Our oceans, the lifeblood of our planet, are facing unprecedented challenges from multiple fronts, including chemical pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, the escalating impacts of climate change, and ocean plastics, which has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time. Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine life, leading to entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction.

Over 17 million metric tons of plastic entered the world's oceans in 2021, representing 85% of marine litter.

Many plastics and microplastics are the product of improper manufacturing processes and about 20% of the ocean’s plastic pollution comes from industrial fishing.

Only 8 per cent of global coastal waters and oceans are designated as protected areas.

A recent visit by the Coral Reef Foundation to the Sombrero Reef in the Florida Keys found “100% coral mortality”, meaning all corals on the reef have died.

Supporting corporations actively contributing to the expansion of marine protected areas (MPAs) is vital for safeguarding marine habitats and biodiversity. By supporting companies that invest in and advocate for the creation of MPAs, individuals and investors can play a crucial role in preserving critical marine habitats and ensuring the continued existence of diverse marine life.



“Protecting the ocean is not just about saving marine life; it’s about safeguarding our own future. Our fate is intimately connected to the health of the ocean, and we must take urgent action to preserve it.” Greta Thunberg


We give an "A" grade to ratings with a score of 80-100, a "B" grade to ratings with a score of 60-80, and so on. Ratings are roughly normally distributed around a mean of 50.

Causes form the basis of impact ratings and analysis on Ethos ESG. Ethos currently has 45 causes available, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See descriptions of all causes, SDGs, metrics, and explore in more detail at www.ethosesg.com/definitions.

Light Money focuses on what we think are of the most common areas of concern for the public today based on what investors are telling us is important. These 6 causes are also personally near and dear to the team at Wayfinder Wealth Management.

The 3 metrics shown in the above 6 scorecards were selected by pulling Ethos data for each cause, sorting by weighting, and selecting the highest weighted metrics that had a measurable result while trying to minimize overlap and subjective scoring. These metrics are also aligned with the most common shareholder resolutions that are filed . For a full list of all causes, metrics, screens, and more, please visit www.ethosesg.com/definitions.