As we strive to make informed choices about what we eat, lets also consider the importance of supporting sustainable fishing practices. Being mindful of sustainability ensures that our oceans remain healthy with abundant sea life for generations to come, and it ensures that we're getting the highest quality omega-3s with maximum health benefits. By choosing Carlson omega-3s, you know that your purchase is helping to support a more sustainable future. We all understand that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy living, but do we really think about where our fish oil supplements come from? Here’s a closer look at what makes Carlson omega-3s sustainably sourced, as well as the benefits of consuming sustainable omega-3s.

What does sustainability mean? 

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In other words, sustainability is about finding a balance between environmental protection, economic development, social responsibility, and cultural acceptance. When it comes to seafood, sustainability means using fishing practices that ensure fish populations remain healthy and plentiful.

What makes Carlson omega-3s sustainable?

Carlson is as committed to the environment as they are to the high quality of their products. Carlson fish oils are made with the purest, most potent oil sourced from wild-caught fish found in deep, unpolluted waters. Carlson works with low-impact fisheries that use ethical practices and sustainable methods. The fish used to make Carlson products are quickly and easily replenished due to the natural fish lifecycle. And every part of the fish caught for Carlson fish oil is ultimately used for human or animal consumption, so no part of the fish is wasted.

But it doesn't stop there. Carlson is committed to sustainability from the inside out. By partnering with IMPACT COLLECTIVE, Carlson offsets the plastic in their products through investments in certified plastic removal projects taking place in their global waterways. Through this collaboration, Carlson is empowered to be a responsible steward of the planet, while providing customers with outstanding products. For every Carlson product purchased, Carlson removes the same amount of plastic from our seas, plus all Carlson supplement bottles are recyclable. Look for the Reduced Plastic Impact seal on Carlson products. 

The benefits of sustainable omega-3s.

Not only does consuming sustainable omega-3s help protect marine ecosystems, but there are also numerous health benefits associated with these healthy oils. Studies show omega-3s promote heart, brain, vision, joint, and immune health. By choosing an environmentally friendly source of omega-3s, like Carlson omega-3s, we can get all the benefits and know that we're protecting the health of Earth’s waterways.

Organizations that support sustainable fishing.

There are several organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing practices around the world. Carlson and our suppliers hold Friend of the Sea (FOS) certification. Friend of the Sea is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, whose mission is marine habitat conservation. Known for their strict guidelines and procedures, FOS is a leading international certification project.

Each organization has its own standards for certifying fisheries as “sustainable” and works closely with fishermen and scientists to ensure that fishing operations are conducted responsibly and with minimal environmental impact. To further ensure the finest, freshest, sustainable omega-3s, Carlson opened Carlson Healthy Oils, a new, state-of-the-art bottling facility in Søvik, Norway. Søvik is located near one of the busiest and most important fishing harbors in the north Atlantic.

There, Carlson omega-3s are purified without chemicals, and antioxidants are added to preserve freshness and to prevent oxidation. Carlson fish oil products are tested by third-party programs, like the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) and the International GMO Evaluation and Notification (IGEN). They are also tested by an FDA-registered laboratory for additional analysis, including quality assessments to confirm freshness, potency, and purity. 

The importance of supporting sustainable fishing.

It’s clear that supporting sustainable fishing practices is essential not only for protecting marine ecosystems but also for ensuring access to safe, high-quality omega-3 fatty acids for generations to come. The Carlson commitment to sourcing omega-3s responsibly and sustainably means that everyone can enjoy all the many health benefits of omega-3s with complete peace of mind.