WHC only uses sustainable fish oil for its special supplements

WHC supplements are the result of a passion for health, nature and science. Purity and sustainability are central. We only work with carefully selected partners such as Friend of the Sea to achieve this.

We only use sustainable fish oil of the highest quality, mainly from Peru and Chile. UnoCardio1000 is one of the first omega-3 products in the world that met the conditions of Friend of the Sea.

Friend of the Sea was still in its infancy at the time. It has now become the leading organization in the field of encouraging and organizing sustainable fishing practices.

Fish oil from Peru and Chile

The Peruvian and Chilean fisheries mainly catch small pelagic fish species such as anchovies and sardines. The fisheries in these countries rank first and eighth respectively on the list of most sustainable and best managed fisheries in the world.

The study on which the list is based considered, among other things, sustainability indicators:

• whether the area fished is a Marine Protected Area;
• investments made to protect seabirds and marine mammals;
• compliance with the FAO (Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) code of conduct;
• catch efficiency - fish catch in relation to fuel consumption;
• socio-economic components.

The Peruvian and Chilean anchovies are particularly well protected. In Peru, for example, IMARPE (Istituto del Mar Peruano) sets very strict quotas for areas and periods during the year, based on accurate catch data.

Bycatch is limited to a maximum of 5%. That is significantly lower than the maximum limit of 8% allowed by Friend of the Sea. In the unlikely event of by-catch of marine mammals, they are returned alive to the sea.

There is a good waste management system in place and waste is prevented from being spread at sea. The fleet only uses ammonia for the cooling systems on board, which prevents any impact on the ozone layer.

The majority of fish processing companies now have SA8000 to develop socially acceptable practices in the workplace.

Increasingly better use of scarce fish oil

Aquaculture (fish farms) and omega-3 production, the two main end users of fish oil and fish protein, have grown steadily over the years. However, fishing has not increased and in some cases has even decreased as a result of stricter quotas.

This paradox is possible thanks to increased efficiency in aquaculture and improvements in omega-3 production. In addition, more and more fish protein is produced from fisheries waste streams.

The fish caught is therefore used increasingly better.

Friend of the Sea drives sustainability in the fishing sector

Friend of the Sea is a driving force in promoting sustainable fishing practices.

The organization stimulates and coordinates the efforts of governments and industry. And organizes training for companies and their employees on sustainability and the implementation of the requirements set by Friend of the Sea.

WHC certified UnoCardio 1000 as a leader in omega-3 as one of the first supplements in the world. And thus drives further positive changes in the industry.

Fish oil from FOS certified areas has a clear price tag. That is why not many supplement brands opt for certification. On the other hand, we are very proud that our customers contribute to a sustainable planet every time they choose us.