Zooca® – The Calanus Company is a pioneering biotechnology company headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, dedicated to utilizing of the ocean’s most abundant resources, Calanus finmarchicus, to create sustainable, high-quality nutrition product for both humans and animals.
Established in 2002, Zooca® has developed a value chain based on this tiny creature, which includes harvesting, processing, product development, sales and marketing. The company operates the world’s first and only facility specifically designed for processing these tiny marine crustaceans at Sortland in Norway.
With a yearly biomass estimated at 290 million tonnes in the Norwegian Sea, Calanus finmarchicus stands as one of the largest renewable marine resources in the world – double the total biomass of all the fish species in the same area. It has also been highlighted as one of the resources, when harvested sustainably, can contribute to increase the supply of marine nutrients.
“At Zooca®, we believe that valuable nutrients should be available to more people, without damaging our planet along the way. ”
Balanced harvesting – crucial for ocean sustainability
Calanus finmarchicus is an underutilized resource that sustainably can contribute to meet the growing global demand of marine supply of nutrients. With a one-year lifecycle, Calanus finmarchicus is unique compared to other marine species traditionally harvested. Due to its high reproduction rate, it can be harvested without affecting higher trophic levels in the population or marine ecosystems. Harvesting at lower trophic levels is a sustainable way of increasing the marine supply of nutrients.
Zooca® has developed environmentally friendly harvesting techniques that ensure minimal impact on marine ecosystems. The company’s patented planktonic trawl technology allows for efficient and transparent harvesting, preserving the natural bioactive properties of Calanus finmarchicus while maintaining ecological balance.
Photo: Zooca / Calanus AS
Natural and pure products
In 2021, Zooca® built the world’s first and only facility tailored for processing of Calanus finmarchicus, located in Sortland, Norway. This state-of-the-art facility enables the production of a range of high-quality products, including Zooca® Calanus® Oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, marine policosanols, and astaxanthin. Additionally, Zooca® provides specialized products for the aquaculture industry, all produced with the same commitment to purity and sustainability. The company’s innovative bio-refinery processes these products without the use of chemicals or solvents, ensuring they remain as pure and natural as possible.
Our Zooca® products are packed with important key nutrients. Gently refined – nothing added, nothing removed.
Commitment to Sustainability
The company has invested in research and development to create a production process that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. The state-of-the-art processing facility exemplifies this commitment with its advanced energy control systems and use of renewable energy sources. Zooca® adheres to the highest environmental standards and holds several key certifications, including ISO 9001, MarinTrust, and Friend of the Sea.
Zooca® is always seeking to collaborate with partners who share its vision for sustainable and innovative nutrition. The company’s membership in Biotech North, reflects our dedication to stay at the cutting edge of marine biotechnology. This network provides Zooca® with opportunities to engage with exciting and innovative companies, researchers, competencies and people.
Learn more about Zooca at zooca.eu
