What if your Omega-3 supplement could protect the oceans? That’s the inspiring idea behind Freshfield, a British Columbia-based company producing plant-based Omega-3 supplements from algae. Their Ocean Saving Omega, provides essential nutrients without depleting fish stocks, offering a sustainable solution that helps restore ocean balance.
Accelerate Ocean Conservation Efforts
United by a shared mission to protect the playgrounds we love, PADI® and Freshfield are partnering to accelerate ocean conservation efforts. We’re excited to welcome Freshfield as a key partner in the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action Vulnerable & Endangered Species Program, aiming to reduce the extinction threat for sharks and rays by 25%.
The PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action tackles five urgent areas: coral reefs, climate change, marine debris, marine protected areas, and vulnerable species. Through education and citizen science, PADI® and its non-profit charity PADI AWARE Foundation® drive programs designed to safeguard 30% of the ocean. By partnering with organizations like Freshfield, we’re building a global community of Ocean Torchbearers™ committed to protecting our blue planet.
The Start of Freshfield
Founded by brothers Michael and Matt Mazur, Freshfield was created with the belief that no one should have to choose between their health and the planet. Freshfield speaks to adventurers, athletes, and explorers, empowering them to be planetary heroes by making it easy to choose eco-friendly products. Their health and recovery products help consumers lower their environmental impact, preserving the places and activities they love.
“I’m a PADI-certified diver, and I’ve always found peace and inspiration beneath the waves,” shares Matt Mazur, Freshfield’s co-founder. “Our oceans face challenges like overfishing and plastic pollution. Freshfield exists to help address these problems. Partnering with PADI® and PADI AWARE® is a natural next step, amplifying our collective impact. We’re committed to taking meaningful action and inspiring others to make a difference.”
Partnership for Ocean Change
As part of their partnership commitment, Freshfield will fund a PADI AWARE Community Grantee focused on Vulnerable & Endangered Species. Since its inception, the grant program has awarded over $575,000 USD to support 73 projects led by PADI dive shops and community nonprofits. By 2030, PADI AWARE® aims to provide over $10 million in funding to support local initiatives that advance projects in alignment with the Blueprint for Ocean Action.
PADI® and Freshfield share an optimistic vision: that collective action can lead to monumental impact. Choosing plant-based supplements like vegan omegas reduces the need to harvest billions of fish for omega-3 supplements, preserving marine biodiversity. Algae-based alternatives offer the same health benefits without disrupting marine ecosystems, supporting ocean recovery and sustainability.
Freshfield’s commitment extends beyond product innovation. Their supplements come in carbon-neutral, plastic-negative, compostable bottles and labels made from forestry waste. Certifications from rePurpose Global and ClimatePartner help offset their environmental impact while driving continuous improvements in packaging and manufacturing.
Consumers choosing Freshfield’s vegan supplements have already helped save 155,000,000 fish and preserved more than 8.5 years of humpback whale food. This impact aligns with PADI® and PADI AWARE’s mission to protect the apex predators critical to maintaining balance and biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Over a third of all known shark and ray species are at risk of extinction, making them the planet’s second most vulnerable animal group. Overfishing, habitat loss, climate change and pollution are key threats. Immediate action is essential to protect these species, which are vital to many countries’ economies, food security, ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
Collaborate and Protect
Creating meaningful ocean change requires collaboration. By empowering consumers with better choices, we’re helping them protect the places they love without sacrificing their passion for adventure. The more ocean stewards we mobilize, the faster we can restore ocean health. Together, we can create a thriving future for our blue planet.
By Katie Thompson, Senior Director, PADI Environment & Sustainability
