DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bering Select, a new manufacturing facility began producing premium quality omega-3 ingredients in Dutch Harbor this week. The plant produces the rich omega-3 oils of locally caught Alaska cod and other fish species.
This state-of-the-art facility is a joint venture between Clipper Seafoods, Marine Therapeutics, Marine Ingredients, and Siu-Alaska Corporation. According to Clipper Seafoods President David Little, “The Bering Sea cod fisheries are robust and produce vast amounts of a high quality omega-3, a resource not utilized until now. By locating the plant in Dutch Harbor, the center of the Bering Sea fishing fleets, we can capture these precious oils in the freshest form possible. Our fishing boats can literally deliver the freshest fish livers to the factory door when they come into port.”
The first ingredients produced at Bering Select are from locally sourced Alaska cod, which offers unique advantages. The Clipper Seafoods’ Alaska cod is line-caught so there is little damage to the marine ecosystem or unwanted by catch of other species. Further, according to Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., of Marine Therapeutics, the scientific advisor and a principal in the project, “Alaska cod oil contains a unique combination of omega-3 fatty acids and fat soluble nutrients that together result in numerous health benefits; such as balancing immune activity, supporting healthy blood lipid levels, and calming and reducing inflammation. These ingredients offer a safe, low cost approach to managing many of today’s most pressing health challenges.”
Clipper Seafoods sells high quality frozen-at-sea fish products from Alaska. Clipper sponsored the MSC certification of the first cod fishery in the world in 2006 and continues to be a leader in promoting sustainable fishing, holding MSC certifications for Alaska cod, sablefish and Alaska pollock.
Marine Therapeutics, headed by Dr. Bland, is responsible for formulation and development of scientifically appropriate products utilizing these omega-3 ingredients and other bio-actives produced at the Dutch Harbor Bering Select facility.
Marine Ingredients is involved in the formulation and production and distribution of finished products under the AlaskaOmega brand.
Siu-Alaska Corporation is a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC). Siu's functions include the management of current and future for-profit investments. Distributions from these investments will go to NSEDC so that they can continue to provide programs and benefits within the Norton Sound region.