The SOGEAU project results presentation

Water resource management is now a strategic challenge for the fishing sector, in a context of climate change characterized by longer drought periods and increasing pressure on water availability. In France, companies in the sector are facing increasingly frequent water withdrawal restrictions, which can significantly impact their economic activity.

In this context, the SOG’EAU project aims to provide operational support to companies in the fishing and processing sector, for which water is both an essential resource for their processes and a significant cost item. The goal is to help these organizations better understand and manage their water consumption through dedicated assessments, identification of the highest-consuming uses, and the implementation of monitoring indicators tailored to their activity.

The project also explores concrete optimization levers: improving practices, modernizing equipment, reducing losses, reusing certain water streams where possible, and integrating technical solutions that promote water efficiency without compromising health and quality standards. Beyond the expected economic benefits, this approach aims to strengthen the resilience of companies during water stress periods, secure their operations in an increasingly strict regulatory environment, and sustainably embed the sector in a trajectory of responsible water management.

Finally, SOG’EAU also aims to play a facilitator role by listing existing schemes and directing companies to the relevant contacts (technical, institutional, and funding organizations). Identifying the right sources of information, available financial aid, or support programs can indeed be complex and sometimes discouraging.