What is Calanus finmarchicus? The Tiny revolution
While everybody else was thinking big, we were thinking small.
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, we admit it, grown into a bit of a big thought, and it’s still growing.
The resource
What is Calanus finmarchichus?
Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny 3 mm copepod, thrives in the vast, cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
It is a zooplankton with a one-year life cycle that constitutes an enormous marine resource.
One of the world's most abundant species and largest resources we know.
It's nearly at the bottom of the food web, linking the phytoplankton and higher trophics levels
It has a unique way of storing energy - converting the food to very compact lipids
It is a zooplankton with a one-year life cycle that constitutes an enormous marine resource.
One of the world's most abundant species and largest resources we know.
It's nearly at the bottom of the food web, linking the phytoplankton and higher trophics levels
It has a unique way of storing energy - converting the food to very compact lipids
Calanus finmarchicus is a small, but mighty amazing creature
What Makes Calanus finmarchicus Unique?
Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny zooplankton, stands out as a powerful source of natural nutrition and a key player in marine ecosystems. Here’s why:
High Nutrient Density
Calanus finmarchicus is rich in essential fatty acids.. Unlike other marine oils, Calanus oil contains these fatty acids naturally bonded with policosanols—a unique combination known for its antioxidant properties, which can support healthy aging and metabolism.
Sustainable Biomass
With a biomass production of 290 million tons annually, Calanus finmarchicus reproduces at a rate three times that of the global fishery industry combined. This abundance makes it a renewable and sustainable source of nutrition that doesn’t threaten biodiversity or marine ecosystems when responsibly harvested.
Ecological Role
As a foundational species in Arctic food webs, Calanus serves as a primary food source for various marine life, including fish like salmon and cod. Its role in aquaculture is invaluable, as it’s also used as an initial feed for shrimp and juvenile fish, thus supporting sustainable aquaculture without depleting natural fish stocks.
Gentle Harvesting Process
Zooca® employs eco-conscious harvesting methods designed to minimize environmental impact, ensuring that the Calanus population remains stable and that other species’ habitats are protected.
Future of Blue Foods
Calanus finmarchicus represents a frontier in “blue foods” – sustainable marine-based nutrition that offers a path to feeding a growing global population without overfishing. This innovation supports both human health and marine conservation, helping us meet nutritional needs in an eco-friendly way.
A Sustainable Solution
With its unique nutritional profile, essential role in the marine ecosystem, and sustainable harvesting methods, Calanus finmarchicus provides a balanced solution that supports both human and animal health.
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.
290 million tons yearly reproduction of biomass calanus
10% of the total biomass of zooplankton is transferred further up the food chain as the diet (prey) for fish larvae, juveniles and other small creatures of the ocean. Every summer, approximately 10% of the production of zooplankton descends into the deeper realms of the Norwegian Sea and goes into hibernation. The next year they ascend for reproduction and complete the lifecycle. The rest of the zooplankton biomass dies and remineralize into inorganic forms.
The policy of Zooca® is to carry out the harvesting activity with precaution and within limits set by the national Competent Authorities,
The policy of Zooca® is to carry out the harvesting activity with precaution and within limits set by the national Competent Authorities,
