The Origin

Norway is the origin of CodMarine®. Our omega-3 oil is made from the wild caught Northeast Atlantic cod family, Gadidae.

It is difficult to talk about Norway and the Norwegian history without talking about the cod. The abundance of Cod has been a profound influence on the rise of settlements in our coastal areas. Cod liver oil has been important for Norway for thousands of years and Norwegians have been using it to everything from natural medicine to oil lamps, to making clothes water resistance.

The Northeast Atlantic Ocean is the home to 20 cod species in the Gadidae family. This includes species like the Atlantic cod, haddock and saithe.

The cod family thrives in the cold waters and strong currents that keep the water supremely clean. And like other fish species, they get their omega-3 fatty acids from their diet.

Did you know?
The cod stores most of its fat in their liver, and in this fat we find the important omega-3 fatty acids.

The North Atlantic ecosystem is a marvel of nature, characterized by its rich biodiversity and intricate web of marine life. This vast oceanic region, stretching between Europe and North America, is home to a unique blend of species, thanks to its dynamic ocean currents and nutrient-rich waters.

One of the key factors that make the North Atlantic ecosystem special is its geological profile. The meeting of different ocean currents, combined with the geological features like the Mid Atlantic Ridge, creates a diverse range of habitats. These geological formations influence the distribution of nutrients, supporting a thriving marine food web from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. The Norwegian coastline, with its extensive fjords and sheltered bays, offers a unique environment for marine life. The fjords, carved by glaciers, provide deep, nutrient-rich waters that are ideal for various species. This coastline is also influenced by the Gulf Stream, a powerful ocean current that brings warm, saline water from the Gulf of Mexico. As the Gulf Stream flows north ward, it moderates the climate, making the waters along the Norwegian coast relatively mild and conducive to marine biodiversity.

The Gulf Stream's impact is profound, as it not only warms the waters but also brings a steady supply of nutrients. This nutrient-rich water is further enriched by freshwater flowing from Norwegian rivers and fjords, mineral-rich runoff from glaciers, and cold arctic waters moving south from the polar regions. This creates an environment where phytoplankton can flourish, forming the base of the marine food web. The abundance of phytoplankton supports a diverse array of marine species, making this one of the most productive and biologically diverse regions in the world. It’s the North Atlantic Ecosystem, and there’s nothing like it.

In Norway, fishing isn’t an industry, it’s a way of life.

Norway’s unique body of knowledge and expertise constitutes one of the largest research and development communities for fishery and seafood in the world. Because the sea is such an important part of our lives, we go to extraordinary lengths to ensure it will always sustain future generations.

From managing to monitoring, our fishing industry is built on long–term thinking. Norway’s fishing industry is rigorously managed through quotas and concessions. The Directorate of Fisheries, the Coast Guard and the sales associations share the responsibility of ensuring that fishing in waters under the jurisdiction of Norway is carried out as it should be. As a result of this strict management:

- Norway is the world leader in adopting measures to reduce discards of fish

- Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing for Cod is virtually zero.

- We have stringent control both on land and at sea for both foreign and Norwegian vessels.

- There is strict enforcement of rules regarding fishing gear.

It is critical that the resources in the sea can be sustained at a viable level, biologically and economically. Norway takes a holistic approach to fisheries management, putting sustainability at the heart of everything it does. As a result, Norwegian Cod stocks are in vibrant good health.

Through Ecosystem–based Management, the totality of the marine environment is embraced, respecting the subtle ways in which different species interact. In assessing the Cod family populations, a clear margin for error is built into population assessments, to make certain that the over–exploitation of Cod is never a possibility.

Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR), known in Norway as Havforskningsinstituttet, is one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions. IMR conducts extensive monitoring and research of marine ecosystems and fish stocks in Norwegian and Arctic waters, providing the scientific foundation for sustainable fisheries management.

IMR works closely with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), an independent international scientific organization that brings together experts from member countries across the North Atlantic and adjacent seas. ICES evaluates data collected by national research institutes, including IMR, and provides science-based advice on fish stock status and sustainable catch limits. This advice forms the basis for fisheries management decisions and helps ensure the long-term health of marine resources.