Ocean 14 Capital

Our latest featured article focuses on how ocean conservation, blue finance, and marine biodiversity were central on the Ocean Action agenda at Davos this year. Read the full article on our website: https://lnkd.in/eMGa85PU January's month's Stat of the Month (see infographic below) relates to the capital raised by aquaculture start-ups in 2024 the highest proportion of funding went to next generation farming, securing 48% of the total ($295 million). Global aquaculture investment fell by 28% in 2024, with startups raising $619m compared to $854m the previous year. Despite the decline, 70 deals were made, reflecting sustained investor interest. Next-generation farming led venture funding, securing 48% of total capital ($295m), followed by nutrition ($144m) and regenerative aquaculture ($48m). Investment in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) doubled to $250m, while seaweed farming attracted $46m. The aquafeed sector saw record growth, with global governments backing genetically modified omega-3 crops. Looking ahead, geopolitical shifts and trade restrictions could impact supply chains in 2025. Highlights from our 4 key themes: Sustainability: Indonesia is strengthening its marine conservation efforts, aiming to protect 10% of its marine territory –30 million ha – by 2030 and expand it to 30% –97.5 million ha – by 2045. The country currently safeguards 29.9 million ha, including 1.1 million ha of coral reefs, 84,000 ha of mangroves and 150,000 ha of seagrass ecosystems. Aquaculture: Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has partnered with Meizhou Hongxi Technology Industry Co. to launch a CNY500m ($70m) vertically integrated fish farm in Guangdong, China. The Jingdong Intelligent Fishery Industry Park aims to produce 5,000 mt of mandarin fish in 2025, valued at CNY430m, with projected profits of CNY140m. Carbon Capture: Belfast Harbour has announced a £90m ($112m) port upgrade to accommodate a surge in offshore wind energy projects and cruise ships, as part of a £300m investment plan. A new deepwater quay will be constructed to support wind farm installations, with 30 planned offshore wind projects within a 200 km range expected to generate over 30 GW of capacity, enough to power 20 million homes. Technology: The UN has officially endorsed Ava Ocean’s Ocean Green project, recognising its efforts to restore Norwegian kelp forests under the Marine Life 2030 action stream. Over 80% of Norway’s kelp forests have been destroyed in the past decade due to climate change and overfishing of urchin predators. To read more on Stat of the Month, and the four other articles, join the mailing list by emailing us at contact@ocean14capital.com.   #davos2025 #wef #BackBlue #Marineconservation #bluefinance #climatechange #sdg14 #oceanfinance #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #sustainability #oceansustainability #aquaculture #carboncapture #technology 

An absolute must-read for anyone interested in how the ocean is essential in the climate discussion and how it fits into investment portfolios as a bond or equity. Thank you for including Ocean 14 Capital. #blueeconomy #oceans #climatechange #sdg14

Putting the ocean firmly on the map in Davos this week. Chris Gorell Barnes, Founding Partner of Ocean 14 Capital  & Co-Founder of Blue Marine Foundation moderated the Ocean High-Level Panel: Turning Commitments into Action. Together with Suzanne Johnson, Senior Advisor on Sustainability, Lloyd's Register Foundation & UN Global Compact, Richard Brisius, Chairman of The Ocean Race, Daniela V. Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, and Katie Wood, 100% Alliance Campaign Lead, Ocean Program, World Resources Institute, this session discussed the future of the blue economy and actionable steps to protect our oceans. Among the topics covered were digital oceans, showing how technology can drive innovation and amplify ocean action, and the need for both issuers and investors to accelerate ocean-focused projects, highlighted by the rising interest in blue bonds. To achieve this, investors need to prioritise blue investments. Last year, the Ocean 14 Capital fund 1 alone completed its 16th investment https://lnkd.in/eYpmw5F7. Globally, the goal is to create a blue capital market, driving funds into sustainable ocean initiatives and scaling their impact. In terms of themes, the blue economy encompasses, ‘blue foods’ via sustainable fisheries & aquaculture, https://lnkd.in/efSu2pt5; ‘blue carbon’; https://lnkd.in/eA_VDP5q; ocean-based renewable energy and a key to restoring balance to the climate crisis https://lnkd.in/evcnjhVS. The blue investment case is as compelling as it is life critical. The ocean covers 70% of our planet; produces 50%+ of the oxygen we breath; absorbs 25% of global CO2 emissions and drives some $3 trillion+ in annual economic activity, from shipping to tourism. The annual investment in oceans needs to be in the region of $175 billion but it is a $24 trillion asset with untapped potential. As we wrote here https://lnkd.in/ebiMmjNz Life Below Water (SDG14) touches all life on the planet. To focus the discussion on what still needs to be done innovative finance, awareness and action to protect and restore our oceans, we co-hosted a dinner at Davos last night with Arlo Brady, CEO, Freuds Group and Chairman, Blue Marine Foundation and Gail Gallie, Co-Founder, Project Everyone. Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, and the legendary @Sylvia Earle shared their thoughts, knowledge and wisdom to an enraptured audience of ocean leaders. Thank you to our speakers, co-hosts and everyone who attended, and to Joe Short for the photos of the dinner. #davoslodge #davos2025 #wef #blueeconomy #SustainableOceans #marineconservation #OceanInnovation #sdg14      

Delighted to co-host this ocean dinner at Davos last night. Thank you Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, and Sylvia Earle, joined us at Goals House, and to our co-hosts Arlo Brady, CEO, Freuds Group and Chairman, Blue Marine Foundation, Gail Gallie, Co-Founder, Project Everyone, and one of our founding partners Chris Gorell Barnes, also Co-Founder of Blue Marine Foundation #sdg14 #ocean #oceanfinance #blueeconomy #davos2025 #sdgs #sustainableoceans

🌊 Ocean High-Level Panel: Turning Commitments into Action Day 3 at Davos Lodge brought together global leaders, sustainability advocates, and ocean experts to discuss the future of the blue economy and actionable steps to protect our oceans. Moderated by Chris Gorell Barnes, Founding Partner of Ocean 14 Capital & Co-Founder of Blue Marine Foundation in place of Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Greek Prime Minister's Special Ocean Envoy who had to stay in Greece for the election of the new President of the Parliament, this session showcased the critical momentum driving sustainable ocean initiatives. Featured Speakers: Suzanne Johnson, Senior Advisor on Sustainability, Lloyd's Register Foundation & UN Global Compact Richard Brisius, Chairman of The Ocean Race Daniela V. Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance Katie Wood, 100% Alliance Campaign Lead, Ocean Program, World Resources Institute 🎥 The session included a video message from KANG Do-Hyoung, Minister of Oceans & Fisheries, Republic of Korea, host of Our Ocean Conference 2025. Key Highlights: 💡 Focus on Our Ocean Conference Korea: The blue economy will take center stage at the Our Ocean Conference in Korea, reflecting the country’s prominent role in global shipping and fisheries and its commitment to ocean sustainability. A central theme will be digital oceans, showing how technology can drive innovation and amplify ocean action. 💡 Investment in the Blue Economy: The rising interest in blue bonds underscores the need for both issuers and investors to accelerate ocean-focused projects. The goal is to create a blue capital market, driving funds into sustainable ocean initiatives and scaling their impact. 💡 Commitments and Leadership: The panel recognized Greece’s achievements at last year’s Our Ocean Conference, including commitment to: Ban bottom trawling in national marine parks by 2026 and in all Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030. 💡 Calls to Action: Protect 30% of MPAs globally by 2030 Sign and support the #BBNJ Agreement. End deep-sea mining and Prioritize blue investments 💬 Collaborating for a Sustainable Ocean Economy: Panelists emphasized the need for public and private sector collaboration, innovative funding mechanisms, and robust policies to ensure the long-term health of our oceans. The session was a powerful reminder that by aligning investments, policies, and innovation, we can achieve a sustainable ocean economy and protect our blue planet for future generations. #DavosLodge #SustainableOceans #BlueEconomy #MarineConservation #OceanInnovation #OurOceanConference #Davos2025

We are looking forward to welcoming Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean who will be giving a special address at our dinner at Goals House tonight. Ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in June, the aim of the dinner is to gather together ocean leaders to innovative finance, awareness and action to protect and restore our oceans. Co-hosting the event with Chris Gorell Barnes, Founding Partner, Ocean 14 Capital and Co-Founder of Blue Marine Foundation, is Arlo Brady, CEO, Freuds Group and Chairman, Blue Marine Foundation and Gail Gallie, Co-Founder, Project Everyone. #sdgs #ocean #oceanfinance #blueeconomy #sustainableoceans #davos2025 #wef

Invitation to the Ocean High-Level Panel Turning Commitments into Action When: Wednesday 22nd January 2025, 17:00-18:00 Where: Davos Lodge, Talstrasse 52, 7270 Davos Dear Friend of the Ocean, The Greek Government, the World Resources Institute (Our Ocean conference Secretariat) and The Ocean Race, cordially invite you to the ‘Ocean High Level Panel’ on the occasion of the World Economic Forum, in the lead up to UNOC3 in Nice and Our Ocean Conference in South Korea. This intimate panel will highlight and illustrate the role of the Ocean, and its connection to business and the wider economy. This impactful panel discussion will explore how to turn global ocean commitments into meaningful actions. From Our Ocean Conference-9 in Greece to OOC-10 in Korea, this conversation will focus on advancing ocean sustainability, global collaboration, and driving tangible outcomes, addressing the need for a new relationship between humanity and the Ocean The Ocean High Level Panel will host a moderated conversation, engaging approximately 20 participants. The conversation will be held in an environment where participants can share their thoughts and objectives, whilst also feeling comfortable to communicate the challenges they face. Participants will be a selected mix of C-Suite Executives from targeted industries, leaders of philanthropy and NGOs, and government and intergovernmental officials. John Kerry, f U.S. Secretary of State and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Richard Brisius, Race Chairman, The Ocean Race; Suzanne Johnson, Senior Advisor on Sustainability, Lloyd's Register Foundation and Senior Advisor on Ocean UN Global Compact; Chris Gorell Barnes, Founding Partner Ocean 14 Capital and Founder Blue Marine Foundation; Katie Wood Communications Officer, Ocean Program, World Resources Institute; Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, MP, Greek Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Ocean will be present. #davos2025 #ocean #oceanclimate #climatechange #sdg14

Looking forward to participating on this panel in #davos with a a great line up and a true ocean hero John Kerry. Ocean 14 Capital @bluemarinefoundation

This month's featured article focuses on the decarbonisation of the shipping sector, which offers an opportunity to drastically reduce global emissions and align with the Paris Agreement’s climate objective. Read the full article on our website: https://lnkd.in/ehByyDkc This month's stat of the month (see infographic below) related to the disparity between ocean and land protection. Right now, only 8% of the oceans are protected compared to 15% of the land. To meet the global 30% target by 2030, protections must increase by an area larger than the Indian Ocean. In 2024, global marine conservation saw advancements, including significant new marine protected areas (MPAs). Despite these gains, oceans remain underprotected, with only 8% safeguarded compared to the 30% target set for 2030. High seas, covering half the planet’s surface, are critically underserved, with just 1.4% protected. The High Seas Treaty, pending ratification, could enable vital progress, but achieving the goal requires urgent, coordinated global action. (Mongabay: https://lnkd.in/eytaCpKQ) Highlights from our 4 key themes: Sustainability: US Senators Tim Kaine and Bill Cassidy have introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and the trade of endangered species. The legislation expands US authority to enforce maritime laws and sanctions against violators, while strengthening international cooperation. Aquaculture: Canadian aquaculture research organisation Onda, in partnership with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC), has launched an 18-month project to explore canola meal as an alternative aquafeed ingredient. Carbon Capture: The UK North Sea, a historic offshore oil and gas basin, has seen declining production since its peak in 2000, dropping to 1 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2024 and projected to fall further by 2029. Amid this decline, the region has become a global leader in offshore wind energy, hosting nearly 15 GW of wind farms with plans to reach 60 GW by 2030. Technology: Electrochemical methods to remove CO2 from seawater, such as ocean alkalinity enhancement and direct ocean capture (DOC), are gaining momentum as potential tools to address climate change. These technologies leverage the ocean’s natural carbon absorption capacity, with some projects focusing on storing captured CO2 or using it commercially. To read more on Stat of the Month, and the four other articles, join the mailing list by emailing us at contact@ocean14capital.com. #marineconservation #bluefinance #climatechange #sdg14 #oceanfinance #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #oceansustainablity #aquaculture #carboncapture #technology #plasticpollution

As the year draws to a close, the team at Ocean 14 Capital is delighted to announce the Ocean 14 Capital Fund 1's latest investment in KIME Akva AS to drive growth of farmed cod as a sustainable supplement to wild fishery. The investment is the latest allocation to Fund 1 that reached its hard close earlier this year https://lnkd.in/ez9PBn-R. Catches of Atlantic cod fell by 42% in last eight years, but with around a fifth of the global catch, Norway is still one of the largest producers and exporters of cod. Read below to find out more about how founder Ørjan Jensen has, over time, built a solution to the reduction of wild cod fishing through incrementally decreasing quotas. #aquaculture #codfarming #fishing #norway #atlanticcod #sustainablefishing #fishfarming #impactinvesting #privateequity #sdg14