Calanus patents seabed method to fish for red copepods

Calanus, a company based in Tórshavn, has received a trial permit to fish for red copepods in the deep-water Bankarennuni channel using fixed gear on the seabed instead of trawling from a vessel, broadcaster KVF reports.

It is the third company to receive a permit to trial fishing for red copepods in deep water in Bankarennuni. The other two are JFK, based in Klaksvík, and Jupiter, based in Kollafjørður.

Petur Olsen, a marine engineer, is managing director of Calanus, whose name comes from the Latin name for red copepods. He has led the development of the proposed fishing method.

Olsen has already obtained patents for two work processes that form part of the concept. A third patent is expected to be secured soon.

Calanus is now seeking five million kroner in risk capital or loans to begin the first stage of the project.