Algae-based Omega-3 producer wins NASF sustainability award.
Veramaris has been named the winner of the NASF Sustainability Award 2026 at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Bergen.
The award, presented for the first time this year, recognises organisations that have embedded sustainable practices into their operations and contributed to improvements across the seafood value chain.
Veramaris was selected from a shortlist of three finalists that also included the Seafood Carbon Emissions Profiling Tool (SCEPT), a carbon accounting initiative for seafood supply chains, and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which sets certification standards for sustainable wild fisheries.
The company produces EPA and DHA Omega-3 oils derived from marine microalgae through large-scale fermentation, providing a fish-free alternative to traditional fish oil used in aquaculture feed.
According to NASF, Veramaris has added nearly five percent to global EPA and DHA supply since its commercial launch.
A jury assessed nominees based on impact, innovation, scalability and contribution to sustainability performance.
“Salmon is a highly efficient animal protein and a cornerstone of healthy, low-carbon diets. Yet a single species consumes 40–45 percent of the world’s marine Omega-3 supply, sourced from finite pelagic fisheries,” the jury said in its citation.
“Veramaris addresses this challenge by producing EPA and DHA Omega-3 through large-scale fermentation of marine microalgae, creating a fish-free alternative.”
NASF chairman Carl-Emil Johannesen presented the award during the summit.
“Veramaris shows how practical, scalable solutions can make seafood production more sustainable,” he said. “By supplying reliable algae-based EPA and DHA as an alternative to traditional fish oil, the company reduces pressure on wild fisheries and strengthens feed security as global aquaculture continues to grow.”
The award artwork was created by Bergen-based wood artist Anette Bergo using reclaimed wood.
The NASF Sustainability Award will be presented annually to organisations or individuals demonstrating measurable impact and leadership in responsible seafood value-chain development.