In our last post, we explored the growing water challenges facing the fish processing industry — from high water use and wastewater pollution to rising operational costs and climate threats. Now, the pressure is increasing not just from environmental concerns but also from fast-evolving regulations, especially within the European Union. These changes present both a challenge and an opportunity: fish processors must act now to stay competitive and compliant.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the key regulatory trends and outline practical water management strategies to help processors boost resilience, compliance, and long-term competitiveness.
Rising Global and EU Regulatory Pressure
Water use is becoming a key sustainability indicator worldwide. From the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6) to growing ESG expectations, responsible water management is moving up the priority list. Large seafood buyers are increasingly factoring water efficiency into supplier assessments.
In the European Union, regulations are tightening fast. Updates to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) and Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
are expected to bring stricter limits on nutrient discharges, mandatory micropollutant monitoring, and more rigorous wastewater treatment standards. Additionally, regulations like the EU Taxonomy and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require companies to report on water use and discharge with greater accuracy and transparency.
For fish processors, these regulations will directly affect day-to-day operations, export potential, and brand reputation. However, by investing in proactive water strategies now, businesses can reduce risks, cut costs, and strengthen their market position.
Practical Solutions to stay ahead
1. Understand your water influent, process and effluent: benchmark water use per kg processed fish
Managing water efficiently starts with understanding where and how it’s used. Smart meters installed at key points — such as washing stations, aquaculture plants, and cleaning systems — help identify inefficiencies and leaks. This data-driven approach not only supports compliance with CSRD and IED but also guides future water-saving investments. Benchmarking water use per kilogram of processed fish can help track progress against future performance-based standards.
2. Water reuse and recycling
Water reuse is increasingly essential. Treated greywater can be safely reused for non-food-contact activities like floor washing, equipment pre-rinsing, and cooling. Advanced technologies such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and ultrafiltration make this possible while meeting safety standards. The EU Water Reuse Regulation (2020/741) is already encouraging such practices, especially in drought-prone areas. With the rise of proven water reuse projects arounds the globe, including plants from Nijhuis Saur Industries, it is possible to give back water the value it deserves.
3. On-Site wastewater treatment
Relying solely on external wastewater services may soon fall short. Modern on-site treatment plants can meet stricter discharge standards and enable water reuse. Technologies like Filter systems (fine sieve), Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), anaerobic treatment, and aerobic biological nutrient removal are essential to comply with upcoming UWWTD updates requiring more advanced secondary and tertiary treatment
4. Workforce training and culture shift or plant outsourcing (water as a service)
Technological upgrades mean little without an aligned workforce. Staff training, incentive programs for water-saving initiatives, and operational workshops ensure company-wide engagement in sustainable water practices. The EU’s Green Deal Industrial Plan also highlights workforce upskilling as a sustainability priority. However, giving the complexity of managing water and wastewater treatment plants, outsourcing the management to an expert like Nijhuis Saur Industries will provide more peace of mind for fish processing companies. They can focus on their main business, while an expert O&M water treatment company takes care of their fish processing water and wastewater treatment plant.
5. Transparent reporting
Detailed water reporting is no longer optional. Implement internal systems for water footprinting, third-party certifications like ISO 14046, and integrate data into ESG reports. Early adopters gain advantages such as improved supply chain partnerships and eligibility for green financing.
Conclusion and next blog
Water is no longer just an operational resource — it’s a strategic asset. Companies that embrace smarter, sustainable water practices will be better positioned to meet stricter regulations, reduce costs, win contracts, and secure future resilience. The message is clear: don’t wait for compliance to become a crisis. Act now and turn water challenges into a competitive advantage.
However, what happens if an emergency or rapid solution is needed? Read it in our next blog.
