Omega−3 fatty acids, also called Omega-3 oils, ω−3 fatty acids or n−3 fatty acids, are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); They are widely distributed in nature as an essential part of animal lipid metabolism, and play an important role in the human diet and in human physiology. The three types of omega−3 fatty acids: ALA can be found in plants, while DHA and EPA are found in algae and fish. Marine algae and phytoplankton are primary sources of omega−3 fatty acids. DHA and EPA accumulate in fish that eat these algae. Common sources of plant oils containing ALA include walnuts, edible seeds, and flaxseeds as well as hempseed oil, while sources of EPA and DHA include fish and fish oils, and algae oil.
Omega-3 supplements can be produced from whole fish, krill, by-cuts and trimmings of fish processing, plants and algae. Small pelagic fish such as anchovies and sardines are normally caught for fishoil production. Trimmings originate mostly from tuna and other seafood processing plants. Algae are harvested or farmed. Plant oils normally originate from agriculture or processing by-products. While processing of by-cuts is considered to be lower impact origin, sustainable fisheries and agriculture production can also be a lower impact source of Omega-3 oils. For more information on Friend of the Earth certified sustainable Plant Based Omega-3, visit Friend of the Earth website.
Friend of the Sea Sustainable Omega-3 standard
For an Omega-3 supplement or oil to be certified Friend of the Sea sustainable, the product must pass a Friend of the Sea audit to verify its production compliance with the following requirements:
- Originate from trimmings or by-cuts from seafood processing or from Friend of the Sea approved fisheries or fleets
- In case of whole fish, krill or seaweeds origin, the fishery must, among the others
- target a not overexploited fish stock
- be selective, thus not generate more than 8% discard
- not bycatch endangered species
- be managed in based on the Precautionary Principle
- be managed considering its impact on the ecosystem
- manage its waste
- be energy efficient
- comply with Social Accountability principles
- Processing of the fish and omega-3 must be carried out in line with Environment Management System practices and Social Accountability principles
Choose Friend of the Sea Certified Sustainable Omega-3
As a consumer or responsibly sourcing company, you can contribute to environmental and social sustainability, by sourcing Friend of the Sea certified Omega-3. You can shop several Friend of the Sea certified Omega-3 from online showcase. By purchasing Friend of the Sea certified products you are also supporting our several conservation and awareness programs.
Request a quotation for Friend of the Sea Certification of Sustainable Omega-3
Your Company can request for a quotation for audit and royalties to use the Friend of the Sea registered
trademark logo, by filling out the online Preliminary Information Form.
- All the information will be kept strictly confidential and implies NO commitment on your company’s part.
- The Friend of the Sea certification is voluntary and NOT mandatory to gain access to markets.
- The application process is NOT discriminatory on size, scale, management and minimum number of operators.
- Friend of the Sea is a NGO and it strives to make participation in the audits affordable for all companies.
- Please, contact us for more information on Government funding which might be available in your Country for sustainability certifications: info@friendofthesea.org
