Marine microalgae are at the start of the food chain in marine ecosystems and are recognized as a high-quality food source for shellfish larvae and for the production of zooplankton in marine finfish farming, particularly when fresh. They are also increasingly in demand as a source of ingredients for biotechnology products such as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals, horticultural fertilizers and for the production of biofuel. Microalgae are the only marine organisms that actually synthesize omega-3-rich lipids, rather than getting them from their diet. In contrast, fish accumulate omega-3 lipids by feeding on smaller organisms in the food chain up to microalgae.
 

NutrOcean produces and markets many products composed of high quality marine microalgae to supply both the microalgal feed market (aquariums, research institutions and fish hatcheries) and the biotechnology market.
 

NutrOcean uses exclusive technology developed at the Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski (ISMER) of the University of Quebec at Rimouski (UQAR). Because NutrOcean is located on the shores of the Saint Lawrence estuary, the factory is able to use water drawn from deep in the sea for all microalgae production. Clean technology then makes it possible to produce contaminant-free cultures with no added chemical products. Microalgae are natural and organic, and their production has no negative effects on the environment.