In 2012, when it announced its push to certify the marine-sourced omega-3, this number was quoted as 32 suppliers from 11 countries.
Just this week Friend of the Sea (FOS) announced the Norwegian salmon oil producer Biomega could now sport the FOS eco-label.
Other companies approved recently included French omega-3 supplement firm Laboratoire Lescuyer using anchovies from the South East Pacific Ocean, Canadian firm Webber Naturals krill oils from Antarctic krill and Australian company Tasman Pacific Holding's Southernature Fish Oil range.
The US, Scandinavia, Central Europe and Australia were the markets with the highest amount of FOS labelled products.
Commenting on the figures, Paolo Bray, director and founder of the NGO certifier, said: “Fisheries for fish oil are among the major fisheries worldwide, even though only part of it is used for Omega-3 production."
FOS favours Antarctic krill, menhaden and the Peruvian anchovies’ fisheries and fleets as among the best managed fisheries, with available historical catch and biomass data, precautionary management and strict enforcement. It says small pelagic fisheries - neither close to the bottom nor the shore - have "no impact" on the seabed and very little by-catch.
It also favours products made from by-cuts or trimmings, which optimise marine resources.
The FOS sustainable check list includes:
-Target stock to be not overexploited
-Fishery to generate maximum 8% discards
-No by-catch of endangered species
-No impact on the seabed
-Compliance with regulations (TAC, IUU, FOC, minimum size, etc.)
-Social accountability
-Gradual reduction of carbon footprint
Other standards for the sector include that from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).