El Niño 2026 and Omega-3 Supply: Why Vegan DHA & EPA Matter

For manufacturers of nutritional supplements, Omega-3 sourcing is closely linked to marine raw material availability. In 2026, this topic is gaining attention as changing ocean conditions may once again affect global fish oil supply.

In May 2026, NOAA issued an El Niño Watch, with an 82% probability that El Niño will develop between May and July 2026 and a 96% probability that it will continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026/27. While this does not yet confirm a full El Niño event, it highlights the growing relevance of ocean-driven supply risks.

What Is El Niño?

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by unusually warm surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Under normal conditions, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface off the coast of Peru. This process, known as upwelling, supports phytoplankton growth and forms the foundation of the marine food chain.

During El Niño, warmer surface water can reduce this upwelling. As a result, fewer nutrients reach the surface, which may affect phytoplankton and the availability of fish species such as the Peruvian anchoveta.

Why This Matters for Fish Oil

The Peruvian anchoveta is one of the most important raw materials for fishmeal and fish oil production. Fish oil is a traditional source of the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, widely used in supplements and nutraceutical products.

Peru plays a major role in this market, with fishmeal and fish oil production usually representing around 20% of global output in an average year. Therefore, changes in anchoveta availability can influence global Omega-3 supply.

Current market data already shows pressure: Peru’s anchoveta quota for the first 2026 fishing season was set at 1.91 million tonnes, while fish oil output in IFFO-reported markets was 12% lower in Q1 2026 compared with Q1 2025.

 Why Omega-3 Sourcing Needs Alternatives

Fish oil remains an established Omega-3 source. However, its availability can be influenced by fishing quotas, biomass assessments, environmental conditions and climate-related events such as El Niño.

This makes sourcing diversification increasingly important for nutraceutical brands.

Vegan Omega-3 from microalgae offers a strong alternative. Microalgae are the original source of DHA and EPA in the marine food chain. Fish accumulate these fatty acids through their diet — but algae-based Omega-3 allows DHA and EPA to be sourced directly from microalgae, without relying on fish-derived raw materials.

Benefits of Vegan Omega-3

Algae-based Omega-3 is not only relevant from a supply chain perspective. It also meets clear consumer needs.

Many consumers are looking for supplements that fit vegan, vegetarian or plant-based lifestyles. Fish oil does not meet these expectations, while microalgae oil provides a fish-free source of DHA and EPA.

For consumers and brands, vegan Omega-3 offers several advantages:

• suitable for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles;
• free from fish-derived ingredients;
• direct source of DHA and EPA;
• attractive for plant-based and sustainability-oriented product concepts;
• broader appeal to consumers who avoid fish oil for dietary, ethical or environmental reasons.

This makes algae-based Omega-3 more than a niche alternative. It combines nutritional relevance, plant-based positioning and future-oriented sourcing.

 Vegan Omega-3 Solutions from Dangschat T.O.H.

At Dangschat T.O.H., we offer vegan Omega-3 solutions based on microalgae, providing DHA and EPA for modern nutraceutical formulations.

These solutions support brands looking to expand their Omega-3 portfolio with a fish-oil-free, plant-based alternative that responds to changing consumer expectations and the growing need for resilient sourcing strategies.

 Looking Beyond Fish Oil

El Niño 2026 is a reminder that environmental changes can have real consequences for global ingredient markets. While its exact impact remains uncertain, current forecasts and market data show that marine Omega-3 supply chains remain sensitive to changing ocean conditions.

For nutraceutical brands, this underlines the importance of preparing for volatility.

Vegan Omega-3 from microalgae provides DHA and EPA directly from the original marine source, offering a plant-based alternative for brands looking beyond traditional fish oil.

Interested in strengthening your Omega-3 portfolio with algae-based alternatives? Contact us to learn more about our vegan DHA & EPA solutions.