Veramaris wins inaugural sustainability award at North Atlantic Seafood Forum

Algae oil producer Veramaris has received the first-ever NASF Sustainability Award at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Bergen, with organisers recognising the company’s work developing algae-based omega-3 ingredients for aquaculture feed.

The award was presented during the NASF Sustainability Summit on 4 March, marking the inaugural edition of the accolade created to highlight organisations that have integrated sustainable practices into their operations and contributed to improvements across the global seafood value chain.

According to NASF, Veramaris was selected from a field of seven nominees after assessment by an independent jury that evaluated entries based on impact, innovation, scalability and contribution to sustainability performance.

Three initiatives were shortlisted as finalists: Seafish's Seafood Carbon Emissions Profiling Tool (SCEPT), designed to support carbon accounting across seafood supply chains; the certification and standard-setting work of the Marine Stewardship Council; and Veramaris’ microalgae-based omega-3 oils used in aquaculture feed.

In its assessment, the jury highlighted the pressure placed on global marine omega-3 resources by aquaculture production. It noted that farmed salmon alone consumes an estimated 40–45% of the world’s marine omega-3 supply, much of which is derived from pelagic fisheries that are already fully exploited or overfished.

Veramaris addresses this challenge by producing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA through large-scale fermentation of marine microalgae, creating an alternative to fish-derived oils traditionally used in feed. The jury said that since its commercial launch, the company has added nearly 5% to global EPA and DHA supply, helping to ease pressure on wild fish stocks.

The company has also become the first microalgae oil producer certified under the joint ASC–MSC Seaweed (Algae) Standard, which sets sustainability criteria for algae-based ingredients used in aquaculture and pet feed.

“We are delighted to honour Veramaris with the NASF Sustainability Award 2026,” said NASF chairman Carl-Emil Johannesen, who presented the award during the event.

“Veramaris shows how practical, scalable solutions can make seafood production more sustainable. 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. This recognition reflects how focused, science-based work can drive real improvements across the seafood value chain,” Johannesen added.