More than 90 percent of US citizens do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health, and as more clinicians and public health initiatives recommend higher intakes of omega-3 fish oil and fatty fish, the demand for our ocean’s natural resources continues to grow. Over the last 50 years, global fish stocks have rapidly declined, there have been over 100 confirmed extinctions of marine species, and populations of some popular commercial fish species have declined to just ten percent of their historic highs.

Although widely criticized, some experts claim that worldwide fish stocks could be depleted within 40 years if commercial harvest continues at its current rate. Whether this prediction is overly pessimistic or not, pressure on marine eco-systems is increasing with increasing consumption of fish and harvesting for fish oils. Supply of our ocean’s natural resources cannot sustainably meet demand and alternatives must be found and researched.

We’re pleased to announce the first sustainably sourced DHA/EPA omega-3 marine oil supplement. CardioTabs Ocean-Safe Omega-3 Marine Oil meets the universally adopted definition of sustainability as based on the 1987 report made by the Word Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), convened by the United Nations. This definition states: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The raw material used to make CardioTabs Ocean-Safe Omega-3 Marine Oil is derived from the food production of three species of calamari (squid) from the group of animals known as cephalopods. These species are caught and utilized for food with a combined yearly catch of almost two million tons. The majority of this catch goes to make calamari rings and fillets for all the major food markets of the world. Calamari is considered a delicacy and demand is growing.

An estimated ten percent of the raw material is not utilized for human consumption, leaving nearly 200,000 tons of high quality protein and lipids discarded or underutilized as animal feed. This underutilized biomass can easily be converted into high-grade protein and lipid products for human consumption.

The biology of the Calamari

Calamari live between one and two years, reach reproductive age quickly and die after spawning, the typical maximum lifespan is less than 450 days, making squid inherently “resilient” to fishing pressure. The life history characteristics of cephalopods make stocks capable of rapid recovery. Both reproductive age and lifespan are important factors determining a species’ potential for population growth and recovery. When compared to other species, the biology of the calamari makes it an ideal choice for sustainable harvesting over other species, including krill.

Individual growth rates of calamari are very high. Calamari can convert food into growth at a ratio as high as 2:1. Their body mass increases rapidly through voracious consumption of fish and other marine creatures.

Eco-Friendly Fishing Methods Ensure Minimal By-Catch

Calamari fisheries have minimal environmental impact. Fish oils are obtained by fishing done by large commercial fishing operations that results in collateral damage to other species of fish not specifically targeted for fish oil production. Squid, on the other hand, are caught using jig gear resulting in virtually zero by-catch. Jig gear also does not come into contact with the seafloor, so does not damage the delicate ecosystems found there.

PURITY

The short lifespan of squid minimizes their exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants like mercury while making stocks easily capable of rapid recovery after catching. Both CardioTabs Omega-3 Fish Oil and Ocean-Safe Omega-3 Marine Oil undergo purification processes such as molecular distillation. All CardioTabs products are independently tested for purity and label accuracy.

Concentration

CardioTabs Ocean-Safe Omega-3 Marine Oil delivers 1,100 mg of DHA and EPA in two softgels. Two softgels also deliver 400 IU Vitamin D3. Citrus-berry flavoring has been added to CardioTabs Ocean-Safe Omega-3 Marine Oil, eliminating the need for enteric coating. As part of our efforts to support a green, renewable future, this newsletter and other marketing materials are printed only on FSC-certified papers. Labels are also printed on 100%PCW paper and bottles are easily recyclable. For more information about our green efforts, visit www.cardiotabs.com.