In a significant boost for the blue economy, GC Rieber VivoMega, a omega-3 concentrates producer, has successfully renewed its Friend of the Sea (FOS) certification.
The renewed certification covers several key species harvested under strict environmental oversight, including European Sardine, Pacific Chub Mackerel, European Anchovy and Skipjack Tuna.
For GC Rieber VivoMega, the Friend of the Sea logo functions as more than a sustainability badge. By sourcing raw materials exclusively from FOS-approved fisheries using selective purse-seine gear, the company ensures full traceability from vessel to finished concentrate, while minimising bycatch and seabed impact.
“Being certified by Friend of the Sea serves as a quality stamp,” said Snorre Glærum Strand, chief executive of GC Rieber VivoMega.
“It reinforces the standards we’ve upheld for years, with respect for the ocean and a clear focus on responsible growth. It gives our partners and customers confidence that we deliver quality products without compromising future resources.”
READ MORE: IAF and WSO endorse Friend of the Sea
To retain certification, the company underwent rigorous third-party audits, including verification that fish stocks are not overexploited, fishing methods have minimal environmental impact, labour practices meet international human rights standards and robust chain-of-custody systems are in place.
Beyond environmental stewardship, GC Rieber VivoMega views certification as a strategic business asset. In an official statement, the company noted that third-party verification is increasingly a prerequisite for access to global markets. “The certification serves as evidence of our practices,” the statement read. “It reinforces our brand position as a leader in sustainable omega-3 production and contributes to a healthier planet, which is the most valuable return of all.”
Paolo Bray, founder and director of Friend of the Sea, praised the renewal, saying, “GC Rieber VivoMega continues to set an example for the industry. Their commitment demonstrates that corporate growth and marine conservation are not mutually exclusive.”
