Omega-3 essential fatty acids are among the most widely recommended supplements for heart, brain, eye, and joint health. But as global demand for fish oil rises, so do concerns about overfishing, marine ecosystem damage, and long-term ocean sustainability.
Omega 3s for Your Health and Ocean Health
Several species of fish are used to make fish oil. Most are small, oily species, including mackerel, anchovies, and sardines. On the plus side, most small fish reproduce quickly—and the gear used to catch them does relatively little harm to other marine life and the undersea environment.
Environmental Defense Fund states on its website, “fish oil supplements are an acceptable choice for ecologically concerned consumers.” There are also nonfish options, including omega 3s derived from the crustacean krill and algae. Algal oil is derived from marine algae. Marine algae is a food source for fish, which accumulate EPA and DHA by eating algae.
What Does "Sustainable Fish Oil" Mean?
Roughly a third of global fish stocks are overfished. Sustainable fish oil comes from fisheries that:
- Harvest fish populations at levels that don't deplete stocks
- Minimize damage to marine ecosystems
- Avoid excessive bycatch (unintended species caught in nets)
- Are independently monitored
Look for Trusted Certifications
The key is to be informed. Read the ingredients on supplement bottles to learn the source of the fatty acids, and visit the producers’ websites to find out about their harvesting and production techniques.
One simple way to feel good about your purchase is to buy supplements certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. Look for the council’s Certified Sustainable Seafood logo on the label. To earn the logo, seafood and seafood products must meet the organization’s best practice guidelines and must originate from a sustainable fishery.
More Useful Sources
The Environmental Defense Fund offers useful guides to help you select fish oil supplements that are the most healthful for you and your family, and to select types of fish that are most environmentally sustainable.
The Marine Stewardship Council also has a searchable database listing certified sustainable products, including omega-3 supplements.
