Overfishing

Special Edition: Omega-3s

While omega-3 industry tries to hold line on sustainability, consumers seem unconcerned

13-Apr-2017 By Hank Schultz

Industry experts maintain that the marine sources of omega-3s continue to be well managed and supplies remain adequate, despite questions that are raised periodically by some observers. But whatever direction the sustainability tug of war might take,...

Despite generally good reputation, Peruvian anchovy fishery still not MSC certified

28-Nov-2016 By Hank Schultz

The vast majority of the world’s supply of omega-3 fatty acids comes from the Peruvian anchovy fishery.  As the fishery recovers from depressed stocks caused by an El Niño event, the sustainability picture remains clouded, as one major certification body...

Omega Protein cites info from fisheries regulators to boost sustainability bona fides

02-Mar-2016 By Hank Schultz

Fish oil supplier Omega Protein has made a case for its sustainability bona fides via a position paper released by the company that includes information from the latest stock assessments by regulatory bodies.

Over 1/3 of fish oil fisheries poorly managed: Report

08-Oct-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

Over one third or 3.5 million tonnes of fish stocks destined for fish oil supplements are ‘poorly managed’, a sustainability report of 24 fisheries has found. 

Nascent fund calls for research proposals pertaining to krill sustainability

18-Mar-2015 By Hank Schultz

A new nongovernmental organization devoted to research on the Antarctic ecosystem, source of the world’s krill oil omega-3 supplements, has called for its initial round of research proposals.

First sustainability report provides benchmark for Omega Protein's message that it is a "responsible company"

04-Nov-2014 By Hank Schultz

Joining a host of other companies seeking to highlight their green bona fides, Omega Protein Corporation has released its first corporate sustainability report.  It’s not just about fishing; the report looks at the company’s energy and water usage and...

Questions about Peruvian fishery highlight advantages of algal omega-3 supply, expert says

27-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

It’s unclear what the impending closure of the Peruvian anchovy fishing season will have on the long term supply picture in the omega-3s sphere. But one thing is clear, it will highlight the security advantages that algal ingredients provide, an expert...

Supply problems with Peruvian anchovy could create opportunity for alternative marine omega-3 sources

23-Oct-2014 By Hank Schultz

The closure of the upcoming fishing season in Peru will have a generally positive effect on the suppliers of other niche omega-3 marine ingredients, sources say.  But it is more complex than a mere commodity relationship in which scarcity in one source...

Rimfrost going under the krill fishery sustainability knife (again)

09-Sep-2014 By Shane STARLING

Norway’s Olympic Seafood-owned krill phospholipid and omega-3 supplier Rimfrost is under assessment from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) - a €300,000 process it expects to complete by the “middle of next year”.

Krill sustainability backed in 18 month review

28-Aug-2014 By Shane STARLING

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has backed the sustainability of Norwegian firm Aker Biomarine’s Antarctic krill fishing activities, with improved scores.

Peruvian fishery ‘well placed’ for eco-certification, says MSC on world’s primary omega-3 source

11-Jun-2013 By Shane STARLING

The world’s biggest omega-3 source – Peru’s anchovy fishery – is moving toward Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) backing although the certifier says work remains before the fishery attains the increasingly popular eco seal of approval.

Omega-3 supply crisis is not just about Peru: DSM

21-Mar-2013 By Shane Starling

DSM says the supply bottleneck in fish-sourced omega-3 that recently forced its own prices up 15%, is not confined to the dominant source – Peruvian anchovies.

Omega Protein's Atlantic menhaden catch to be cut by 20%

19-Dec-2012 By Hank Schultz

Omega Protein, the largest manufacturer of fish oil omega-3s based in the US, will have to live with a 20% reduction in the amount of menhaden it can harvest in the Atlantic, the company announced recently.

Demand from fish farms drives crude fish oil prices higher

12-Nov-2012 By Hank Schultz

Bulk fish oil prices are rising, driven both by competition from large aquaculture purchasers and lower catch quotas in the all-important Peruvian anchovy fishery.

Fish stock concern could affect in consumption advice

10-Jan-2007 By Jess Halliday

The UK's Food Standards Agency may review its advice that people
should eat at least two portions of fish a week for its health
benefits, in the light of environmental concerns.