The zooplankton solution
Taking Your Portfolio Beyond Omega-3
Discover Zooca Calanus Oil - a 3-in-1 Natural Combination with Full Spectrum Omegas, Marine Policosanols and Astaxanthin
An untapped resource
Calanus finmarchicus is a zooplankton species with a one-year life cycle that constitutes a huge marine resource.
Stock assessment and modeling indicate an annual new production of approximately 290 million tons in the Norwegian Sea. This is several times higher than the total biomass of all fish species in the same area, including cod, herring and mackerel. It is almost twice as much as all fisheries and aquaculture in the world.
Stock assessment and modeling indicate an annual new production of approximately 290 million tons in the Norwegian Sea. This is several times higher than the total biomass of all fish species in the same area, including cod, herring and mackerel. It is almost twice as much as all fisheries and aquaculture in the world.
While everybody else was thinking big, we were thinking small.
Our idea, based on a 3 mm long zooplankton, started 20 years ago, and we have been nurturing it ever since.
Today, feeding people and animals with sustainable, healthy, high-quality nutrition has grown considerably, and is still growing.
Zooca® was established in 2002 in Tromsø, Norway. The goal was to utilize the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus to make healthy and unique nutrition products for humans and animals alike. The company operates the world’s first factory in Sortland in Norway and remains dedicated to advancing its research and development.
Calanus finmarchicus is one of the most ecologically important species in the marine ecosystem. This is due to its role in the marine food web as a key organism in energy transfer between trophic levels.
We can harvest the species without affecting the population or the marine ecosystem thanks to the high reproduction rate.
Zooca® was established in 2002 in Tromsø, Norway. The goal was to utilize the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus to make healthy and unique nutrition products for humans and animals alike. The company operates the world’s first factory in Sortland in Norway and remains dedicated to advancing its research and development.
Calanus finmarchicus is one of the most ecologically important species in the marine ecosystem. This is due to its role in the marine food web as a key organism in energy transfer between trophic levels.
We can harvest the species without affecting the population or the marine ecosystem thanks to the high reproduction rate.
Harvested in our backyard
Zooca® has developed a patented trawl technology specifically designed for harvesting Calanus finmarchicus. The trawl is wide and shallow, with a mesh size tailored to filter out water while retaining Calanus finmarchicus. This technology ensures minimal bycatch and a low carbon footprint.
The harvesting season is approximately from 1st of May to mid-August.On the Norwegian coastal shelf from mid-Norway (Frohavet) to Finmark, including Tromsøflaket. However, this varies slightly from year to year.
As Calanus distribution is dependent on oceanographic processes, there is a high variability between years.
The harvesting season is approximately from 1st of May to mid-August.On the Norwegian coastal shelf from mid-Norway (Frohavet) to Finmark, including Tromsøflaket. However, this varies slightly from year to year.
As Calanus distribution is dependent on oceanographic processes, there is a high variability between years.
Empowering Well-being: How we meet the Need for Essential Nutrition
Human health nutrition is about providing the body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive, supporting overall well-being and long-term health. At Zooca, we are on a mission to meet the growing demand for high-quality, natural nutrients by combining nature's purest resources with cutting-edge science. Our flagship product, Zooca® Calanus Oil, is at the heart of this journey – offering a sustainable, effective solution backed by strong scientific documentation to promote health benefits that truly make a difference.
The resource
Balanced harvesting in the marine food chain
Calanus finmarchicus, is an underutilized resource that sustainable can contribute to meet growing global demand of marine nutrients.
The yearly biomass of the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus is estimated to 290 million tonnes in the Norwegian Sea.
Today, overexploitation of marine resources at higher tropcial levels causes an ecological imbalanced in the food chain.
Harvesting of resources at lower trophic levels can therefore be a sustainable way of increasing the marine supply of nutrients.
The yearly biomass of the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus is estimated to 290 million tonnes in the Norwegian Sea.
Today, overexploitation of marine resources at higher tropcial levels causes an ecological imbalanced in the food chain.
Harvesting of resources at lower trophic levels can therefore be a sustainable way of increasing the marine supply of nutrients.
Production
Natural and pure products
The world’s first and only facility for
processing Calanus finmarchicus
In 2021, the world’s first and only facility tailored for C. finmarchicus was built. The facility has a capacity of 10,000 tonnes a year and is located in Sortland, Norway. The capacity can easily be increased by 50% with minimal investments.
Ideal location The facility is strategically located close to harvesting areas with good infrastructure and outbound logistics. This ensures efficient transport of raw materials.
Environmentally friendly and efficient processing
Our facility utilizes advanced control systems that regulate energy consumption and keep it to a minimum, while ensuring a qualified process. An electric hot water boiler provides environmentally friendly heating, and efficient heat exchangers are used throughout the process to maximize energy efficiency.
In 2021, the world’s first and only facility tailored for C. finmarchicus was built. The facility has a capacity of 10,000 tonnes a year and is located in Sortland, Norway. The capacity can easily be increased by 50% with minimal investments.
Ideal location The facility is strategically located close to harvesting areas with good infrastructure and outbound logistics. This ensures efficient transport of raw materials.
Environmentally friendly and efficient processing
Our facility utilizes advanced control systems that regulate energy consumption and keep it to a minimum, while ensuring a qualified process. An electric hot water boiler provides environmentally friendly heating, and efficient heat exchangers are used throughout the process to maximize energy efficiency.
From catch to capsule - pure resource and gentle extraction
In the cold, pristine waters of the North Atlantic thrives Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny but incredibly significant organism. This microscopic copepod, barely larger than a grain of rice, plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem and serves as the foundation for Zooca® Calanus Oil – a natural product rooted in sustainability and innovation.
Gentle Process- Preserving Nature’s Potential
With only enzymes and water needed for oil extraction, the unique lipids of Calanus finmarchicus are preserved in their original form. This approach contrasts with traditional methods often involving refining processes and chemical additives.
Zooca® Calanus Oil reflects the value of natural integrity by providing a pure, unrefined lipid source – an embodiment of the shift toward less processed, more natural nutrition.
A Short Journey from Ocean to Product
Gentle processes and short value chains ensure the oil quickly moves from harvesting in the ocean to finished products while preserving its natural essence.
Calanus finmarchicus’ adaptation to extreme conditions, storing energy as compact lipids, makes it an ideal source for nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly products.
Sustainability
Sustainabilty is more than just a goal - it's our responsibilty
By gently harvesting Calanus finmarchicus, we ensure that the Arctic ecosystem remains intact while providing high-quality, nutritious products.We adhere to strict environmental standards and certifications to ensure that both current and future generations can benefit from nature’s resources.
Our standards aren't just high - they are certified
ISO 9001 - certified since 2015
The international standard for qualitymanagement system. This allows us to demonstrate our ability to consistently provide products that meet customer and regultaory requirements.
The international standard for qualitymanagement system. This allows us to demonstrate our ability to consistently provide products that meet customer and regultaory requirements.
Friend of the sea - certified since 2020
Friend of the Sea is a globally recognized certification program for sustainable seafood products that helps to promote responsible fishing practices and protect marine ecosystem
Friend of the Sea is a globally recognized certification program for sustainable seafood products that helps to promote responsible fishing practices and protect marine ecosystem
MarinTrust - certified since 2019
MarinTrust is a factory certification standard which ensure responsible manufacturing and raw material sourcing.
MarinTrust is a factory certification standard which ensure responsible manufacturing and raw material sourcing.
Informed Sport - certified since 2017
Informed Sport is a global testing and certification program for sports and nutritional supplements. Informed Sport certification allows us to assure athletes that our product, Zooca® Original and Zooca® Sport, has passed the most stringent sport testing and are safer to use.
Informed Sport is a global testing and certification program for sports and nutritional supplements. Informed Sport certification allows us to assure athletes that our product, Zooca® Original and Zooca® Sport, has passed the most stringent sport testing and are safer to use.
Halal - Certified June 2023
Halal Certification ensures adherence to ethical dietary and religious standards.
Halal Certification allows us to cater to diverse preferences and ethical practices.
Halal Certification ensures adherence to ethical dietary and religious standards.
Halal Certification allows us to cater to diverse preferences and ethical practices.
Made In Norway - Awarded since 2024
We are proud to announce that our unique Zooca products are now officially labeled with Norway's Made in Norway origin mark.
Norway is renowned for its commitment to responsible business practices, social equality, and sustainability, and this label represents and highlights these values on the global stage.
We are proud to announce that our unique Zooca products are now officially labeled with Norway's Made in Norway origin mark.
Norway is renowned for its commitment to responsible business practices, social equality, and sustainability, and this label represents and highlights these values on the global stage.
Science is the heart of everything we do
As the first company in the world, we are persistently working on research and development, documenting the potential of the valuble bioactive components from this unique resource.
”At Zooca, we develop methods to sustainably harvest and utilize Calanus finmarchicus. A fantastic renewable resource that can contribute to both food security and public health globally”
We have spent years researching and developing a manufacturing process for Calanus finmarchicus. We are able to extract both oil and proteins while preserving the natural bioactive properties of the material.
The different products streams derived from Calanus finmarchicus now have a solid track record of documentation - providing insight to the different areas of impact.
The different products streams derived from Calanus finmarchicus now have a solid track record of documentation - providing insight to the different areas of impact.
Our unique products
Our company offers a variety of products made from Calanus finmarchicus.
Human Health Nutrition
- Zooca Calanus® Oil
Animal Health Nutrition:
- Zooca® Hydrolysate
- Zooca® Powder
- Zooca® SeaFrozen
- all made from the same high-quality, natural source.
These products are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them valuable ingredients in various industries such as human nutrition, animal feed, and aquaculture.
Zooca® Calanus® Oil
A science based unique product with substantial documentation to support health benefits.
Unique chemical composition:
- Beyond omega-3
- Containing a full spectrum fatty acid profile
- Zooca Calanus® oil naturally has 40 different fatty acids, bound in their natural form
- Zooca Calanus® oil naturally contains the omega-3s EPA, DHA, and SDA, as well as monounsaturated lipids, policosanols and astaxanthin
Beyond Omega-3
Zooca® Calanus® Oil is a novel bioactive fat that is more than just an omega-3.
Containing a full spectrum fatty acid profile, oil from calanus naturally has 40 different fatty acids, bound in their natural form.
In the sea, Calanus finmarchicus stores its energy as liquid wax, or as wax ester, which is a combination of marine policosanols and fatty acids bound together.
Rounding out its full nutrient profile, Zooca® Calanus®oil naturally contains the Omega-3s EPA, DHA, and SDA, as well as monounsaturated fats such as Omega-7, and nutrients such as marine policosanol and astaxanthin.
Containing a full spectrum fatty acid profile, oil from calanus naturally has 40 different fatty acids, bound in their natural form.
In the sea, Calanus finmarchicus stores its energy as liquid wax, or as wax ester, which is a combination of marine policosanols and fatty acids bound together.
Rounding out its full nutrient profile, Zooca® Calanus®oil naturally contains the Omega-3s EPA, DHA, and SDA, as well as monounsaturated fats such as Omega-7, and nutrients such as marine policosanol and astaxanthin.
Unique chemical structure
- we believe this is an important feature
Zooca Calanus® Oil has a unique chemical composition of wax esters, containing several bioactive compounds. Its special composition sets it apart from any other marine and plant oils. Both studies on acute bioavailability considering the plasma concentrations of EPA and DHA, and long-term bioavailability as measured by the omega-3 index shows excellent results.
The delivery form of wax esters is known to be slow digested. This implies longer retention time in the GI-tract, delivering the bioactive components to the distal part of the intestines and hence reaching specialized nutrient receptors only localized in this area.
The delivery form of wax esters is known to be slow digested. This implies longer retention time in the GI-tract, delivering the bioactive components to the distal part of the intestines and hence reaching specialized nutrient receptors only localized in this area.
Metabolic support for healthy aging
