This database contains the volume of aquatic species caught by country or area, by species items, by FAO major fishing areas, and year, for all commercial, industrial, recreational and subsistence purposes. The harvest from mariculture, aquaculture and other kinds of fish farming is also included.

Files

• capture_quantity_joined.csv -> Joined and cleaned dataset created from: https://www.kaggle.com/tcashion/fao-fisheries-data-cleaning
• Capture_Quantity.csv -> Table with capture production (amount) of aquatic animals and plants from 1950 to present by country
• CL_FI_COUNTRY_GROUPS.csv -> Table with countries' UN Codes, ISO codes, and names in various languages
• CL_FI_SPECIES_GROUPS.csv -> Table with species' internal codes, scientific names, and common names in various languages
• CL_FI_SYMBOL.csv
• CL_FI_WATERAREA_GROUPS.csv -> Table with water areas' internal codes, and names in various languages
• CL_History.txt
• CL_Index.txt
• Capture_E.html - Dataset description in English
• Capture_F.html - Dataset description in French
• Capture_S.html - Dataset description in Spanish
• DSD_FI_CAPTURE.xlsx
• FSJ_UNIT.csv
• ISSCAAP.pdf -> International Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants Description (hierarchical codes used)
• MAP.jpg -> Map of FAO Water Areas
• NOTES_CAPTURE_COUNTRY_En.html -> Additional data notes in English
• NOTES_CAPTURE_COUNTRY_Es.html -> Additional data notes in Spanish
• NOTES_CAPTURE_COUNTRY_Fr.html -> Additional data notes in French
• ReadMe.txt

Important Notes/Acronyms: - NEI -> Not Elsewhere Included - Q_tlw -> Quantity Tonnes Live Weight (Metric tonnes). - Q_no_1 -> Quantity Number (i.e., count)

Other versions of the dataset that are incomplete or not up to date: - https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/mpwolke/cusersmarildownloadscapturecsv - https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/tbhamidipati/aquaculture

The dataset on fish catches in the European waters by FAO statistical areas was created in 2015 by Cogea for the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). It is the result of the aggregation of EUROSTAT's fish catches datasets fish_ca_atl 27, fish_ca_atl 34, fish_ca_atl 37, fish_ca_atl271, fish_ca_atl272, fish_ca_atl34_h and fish_ca_atl37_h. It is available for viewing and download on EMODnet web portal (Human Activities, https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/human-activities). EUROSTAT data have been related to FAO's georeferenced fishing areas (polygons) for statisticl purposes (FAO, 2020. FAO Statistical Areas for Fishery Purposes. In: FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department). Tonnes live weight is provided for each fish species caught (3-alpha code and english or scientific name if the english one is not available), by EUMOFA's larger aggregations such as EUMOFA's Commodity Groups and Main Commercial Species (see 'Species_Eumofa_ASFIS_2023' table), by year of reference and country (code and name). The dataset is updated yearly and it covers a time series from 1950 to 2021, where available. Compared with the previous version this new one's schema have been updated.

The FAO Statistics Team (NFISS) of Fisheries and Aquaculture Division collates world capture and aquaculture production statistics at either the species, genus, family, or higher taxonomic levels in 3,169 statistical categories (2022 data release) referred to as species items. ASFIS list of species includes 13,417 species items selected according to their interest or relation to fisheries and aquaculture. For each species item stored in a record, codes (ISSCAAP group, taxonomic and 3-alpha) and taxonomic information (scientific name, author(s), family, and higher taxonomic classification) are provided. An English name is available for most of the records, and about one third of them have also a French and Spanish name. Information is also provided about the availability of fishery production statistics on the species item in the FAO databases. (from homepage)

FishStatJ is a Windows and Mac application that anyone can use to access FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture statistics. They include datasets on production, trade and consumption. Data can be extracted and aggregated according to different level of details and international standard classifications. It consists of a main application and several workspaces that include the datasets.

"Information on capture production is collected annually from relevant national offices concerned with fishery statistics, by means of a system of standardized forms, which list for each country the relative species items and fishing areas breakdown."

"Data concerning the nominal catch of certain major groups are generally reviewed in collaboration with the regional agency concerned. For example, for ISSCAAP group 36 (Tunas, bonitos and billfishes) data provided by the national correspondents are often replaced by the "best scientific estimates" produced by regional bodies collecting tuna catch statistics (i.e. ICCAT, IOTC, SPC and IATTC.)"

© FAO 2022. Global Capture Production. Fisheries and Aquaculture Division [online]. Rome. [Cited Tuesday, November 22nd 2022]. https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/collection/capture?lang=en

We compiled a comprehensive dataset of geo-referenced catches from global tuna fisheries available at a spatial resolution of 1° and 5° grid areas. This dataset was created by harmonizing public domain data from the five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (t-RFMOs) for the period 1950-2021. Under the auspices of the Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we developed a systematic data flow process in collaboration with the t-RFMO Secretariats. This process involved the implementation of a data exchange format adhering to the standards of the FAO Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP), facilitating the seamless integration of data into the dataset.Geo-referenced catch data from tuna fisheries are reported in either the number of fish or live-weight equivalent (metric tonnes), with some strata providing catches in both units. The catches primarily represent the quantities of retained fish either landed or transhipped at sea and in ports. The data are stratified by year, month, fishing fleet, fishing gear, fishing mode, 1° or 5° grid area of longitude and latitude, and taxon.The dataset encompasses 49 medium- and large-sized pelagic species found in both neritic and oceanic habitats of the world's oceans. This includes 15 species of tunas, 10 species of billfish, 7 species of Spanish mackerels, 2 species of bonitos, and wahoo. Despite uncertainties and incomplete data due to under-reporting, the dataset also includes reported catches for 14 species of pelagic sharks and rays that may be either targeted or incidentally caught in tuna and tuna-like fisheries.The dataset serves as a benchmark for the monitoring and assessment of both artisanal and industrial fisheries from over 115 fishing fleets across 114 countries that have exploited tuna and tuna-like species for subsistence and commercial purposes over more than seven decades.

This data is derived primarily from the FAO FishStat J database on aquaculture and capture fisheries production and trade (http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/software/fishstatj/en). It is used to generate two alternative estimates of the share of aquaculture and capture fisheries production consumed in domestic markets in the 10 most important aquaculture producing developing economies: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. All data is for the year 2011, which at the time of writing was the most recent year for which both production and trade data were available from FishStat J. The live weight equivalent of exported products is estimated using published conversion factors referenced in the dataset.

All data is downloadable from http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/software/fishstatj/en. All data used is for the year 2011. All calculations used to derive both estimates of the shares of aquaculture and capture fishery production remaining in domestic markets are embedded in the Excel file. Worksheets in the Excel file are interlinked. All published Live Weight Equivalent conversion factors and their sources are reported in the Excel file.

The database on fishing effort in the EU waters was created in 2020 by Cogea for the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). It is the result of the elaboration of the Economic and Transversal data (19-06 - AER, Version 1.2) of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) of the EU Commission (JRC). STECF data have been related to georeferenced FAO's fishing statistical areas and to Geographical subareas (GSAs) of the FAO's General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). Days at sea, Fishing days, GT fishing days, kW fishing days data are provided for each available FAO fishing statistical area and GSA, by year of reference, Country, fishing technology, vessel length classes, supra region and geographical indicator. The dataset is updated yearly, as soon as new data from STECF are released. It covers a time series from 2008 to 2018.

FAO Major Fishing Areas for Statistical Purposes are arbitrary areas, the boundaries of which were determined in consultation with international fishery agencies on various considerations, including (i) the boundary of natural regions and the natural divisions of oceans and seas; (ii) the boundaries of adjacent statistical fisheries bodies already established in inter-governmental conventions and treaties; (iii) existing national practices; (iv) national boundaries; (v) the longitude and latitude grid system; (vi) the distribution of the aquatic fauna; and (vii) the distribution of the resources and the environmental conditions within an area.

The dataset on fishing effort in the EU waters was created in 2020 by Cogea for the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). It is updated every year and is available for viewing and download on the EMODnet web portal (Human Activities, https://emodnet.ec.europa.eu/en/human-activities). The dataset is the result of the elaboration of the 'STECF 22-06 - EU Fleet Economic and Transversal data_fleet segment (Version 1.1)' of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) of the EU Commission (JRC). Aggregated STECF data have been related to georeferenced FAO's fishing statistical areas (27, 34 and 37, at all levels) and to Geographical subareas (GSAs) of the FAO's General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). Where and when available, data on Days at sea, Fishing days, Gross Tonnage fishing days, kW fishing days are provided for each FAO fishing statistical area and GSA by year of reference, Country, fishing technology and vessel length classes. With this update the dataset covers now a time series from 2008 to 2021.

FAO Major Fishing Areas for Statistical Purposes are arbitrary areas, the boundaries of which were determined in consultation with international fishery agencies on various considerations, including (i) the boundary of natural regions and the natural divisions of oceans and seas; (ii) the boundaries of adjacent statistical fisheries bodies already established in inter-governmental conventions and treaties; (iii) existing national practices; (iv) national boundaries; (v) the longitude and latitude grid system; (vi) the distribution of the aquatic fauna; and (vii) the distribution of the resources and the environmental conditions within an area. The rationale of the FAO Major Fishing Areas has been that the areas should, as far as possible, coincide with the areas of competence of other fishery commissions when existing. This system facilitates comparison of data, and improves the possibilities of cooperation in statistical matters in general.

We constructed the most comprehensive dataset of nominal catches from global tuna fisheries by compiling and harmonizing public domain data from the five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (t-RFMOs) for the period 1918-2021. Under the auspices of the Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we developed a systematic data flow process in collaboration with the t-RFMO Secretariats. This process involved the implementation of a data exchange format adhering to the standards of the FAO Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP), facilitating the seamless integration of data into the dataset.Nominal catch data are expressed in live-weight equivalent (metric tonnes) and primarily represent the quantities of retained fish either landed or transhipped at sea and in ports. In recent years, data from fisheries in the Atlantic and Western-Central Pacific Oceans have partially included amounts of fish discarded dead. The data are stratified by year, fishing fleet, fishing gear, large spatial area, and taxon.The dataset encompasses 50 medium- and large-sized pelagic species found in both neritic and oceanic habitats of the world's oceans. This includes 15 species of tunas, 10 species of billfish, 8 species of Spanish mackerels, 2 species of bonitos, and wahoo. In 2021, the global catch for these species was estimated to exceed 5.9 million metric tonnes. Despite uncertainties and incomplete data due to under-reporting, the dataset also includes reported catches for 14 species of pelagic sharks and rays that may be either targeted or incidentally caught in tuna and tuna-like fisheries. The total reported catch of these elasmobranch species was approximately 275,000 metric tonnes in 2021.The dataset serves as a benchmark for the monitoring and assessment of both artisanal and industrial fisheries from over 161 fishing fleets across 159 countries that have exploited tuna and tuna-like species for subsistence and commercial purposes over more than seven decades.

Abstract

To support sustainable food systems and nutrition, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) provided funding to the FAO to support initial project activities in five countries (Sierra Leone, Malawi, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania) with a focus on strengthening women's roles in the small-scale fisheries post-harvest sector between 2020-2021. In extension to this project, the FAO Flexible Voluntary Contributions fund (FVC) provided funding from 2021-2023, expanding the project implementation to four more countries (Indonesia, Madagascar, Namibia and the Philippines) for a total of nine countries. The project conducted a baseline survey as well as a needs assessment and mapping of women's organizations. Three surveys were developed to capture information from various stakeholders for the baseline, plus one survey for the mapping and needs assessment:

Baseline Individual/Household level Survey: The baseline study conducted for this project included individual intercept surveys targeting women as actors in small-scale fisheries value chains. The purpose of the survey was to understand both the individual respondent (i.e., the woman) and her household's involvement in fisheries, how they acquire and consume fish, their experiences of food security and dietary practices, and participation in fisheries governance and organizations. Approximately 300 women were surveyed per country. This study was conducted for baseline monitoring and evaluation of the FVC project “Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods” (FMM/GLO/155/MUL).

Baseline Focus group discussions: Focus group discussions were held in each landing site alongside data collection using other survey instruments. The purpose of the focus group discussions was to elicit qualitative data reflecting the opinions of women from the same fish landing sites on key issues affecting their work, status, and roles in the sector. This included their opinions of discrimination or harassment against women, their voice in decision-making and ability to influence fisheries governance, changes in gender relations over time, and their access to training, facilities, and assets needed to conduct their fisheries activities. This study was conducted for baseline monitoring and evaluation of the FVC project “Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods” (FMM/GLO/155/MUL).

Baseline Key Informant Interviews with Individuals (with policy-level influence in the small-scale fishing sector): The baseline study conducted for this project included key informant interviews with those in policy, programme, or other similar levels of sector influence (e.g., Policy Makers, Government, Projects, Programmes working on social and health interventions in fishing communities). The purpose of the key informant interviews was to understand the opinion of respondents on local diet and eating patterns of the community, women's empowerment, and facilities that serve fish workers. In addition, the questions sought to gain an understanding of what is already known at decision-making levels in regards to the FAO SSF Guidelines and knowledge of fishing community's capacity building needs and how learning and technological change occurs. This study was conducted for baseline monitoring and evaluation of the FVC project “Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for Gender-Equitable and Climate-Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods” (FMM/GLO/155/MUL).

Organizational level Mapping and Needs Assessment: The purpose of the survey is to enhance understanding of where women are organized in small-scale fisheries (or 'map' them both geographically and within the value chain) and what their present organizational characteristics, capacities, and needs are. Data were collected and analyzed to recommend interventions to enhance women's organizational capacities and to work towards greater gender equality in fish value chains. The survey covers organizational-level characteristics (i.e., not individual members) of women's small-scale fishery organizations (defined as formal or informal organizations whose members and leaders are majority women who work in the small-scale fishing sector). Data collection entailed 3-5 members of one women's organization meeting and collectively answering the survey questions regarding the characteristics of their organization. The survey included questions about group structure, characteristics, and history as well as participation in the value chain, membership benefits, external linkages, and greatest needs.

Geographic coverage

Northern Mindanao

Analysis unit

Individuals, Households, Focus Groups, Organizations

Universe

Individual/Household level: Women who work in small-scale fishing value chains (harvest, post-harvest processing or trade).

Focus groups: Women who work in small-scale fisheries.

Individuals (with policy-level influence in the small-scale fishing sector): Policy-level actors in the fishing sector. This includes government and non-governmental personnel working in fisheries, environment, or gender and development themes that impact fishing communities.

Organizational level: Women's small-scale fisheries organizations, whether formally registered or informally operating. This was defined as an organization whose members and leaders are majority women engaged in small-scale fisheries activities (whether harvesting or post-harvest processing and trade).

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Individual/household level: - Sample size: 300 individuals per country - Selection process: Surveys were conducted as intercept surveys at fish landing sites, markets and within fishing communities. - Stratification: By district and landing site. The target number of surveys per country (300) was divided by the number of landing sites chosen for the study.

Focus groups: - Non-random sample of women chosen opportunistically (based on availability) to participate in a small group, focus group discussions. Typically 2 focus group discussions were held in each district or region where data collection occurred for the larger, baseline assessment of the project. Individuals (with policy-level influence in the small-scale fishing sector):

Survey sampling for key informant interviews was purposive, selecting individuals who were known to be knowledgeable about relevant policy issues impacting fishing communities that were of interest to the project (e.g., nutrition, gender issues, leadership, decision-making). These individuals were identified based on the expert knowledge of the National Project Coordinator with input from the government and influential local leaders. Approximately 10 key informants were surveyed per country, with 1-3 individuals interviewed per district/region.

Organizational level: - Varied by country, ranging from approximately 40-60 organizations. - Selection Process: This survey was not a random sample or stratified sample of organizations. However, efforts were made to ensure the survey was representative of organizations in each country and the districts chosen for surveying. To ensure this, prior to implementing the survey a combination of existing information on women's fisheries organizations was used (e.g., registries, lists, expert knowledge), and where needed, background data was collected on the number of women's small-scale fisheries groups in each district. After this, background and existing data were collected, we used this estimate of the population or organizations in each district. Based on these estimates of the population of organizations, we applied the sampling protocol (described below) to determine the target number of surveys to be collected in each district. However, surveys were implemented opportunistically in the field with individual organizations that were available and accessible at the time of data collection. Inclusion criteria. To be included in the survey, organizations had to meet the following criteria: a.The group identifies as an organization, either formally registered or informal. b.Membership is majority (more than 50 percent) women. c.Women are an active part of the organization's leadership. d.The majority of group members are engaged in capture fishing and related activities including pre-harvest, processing, and trade of fish or fish products. The following sampling protocol was applied to the estimated number of women's small-scale fisheries groups in a district (always rounding up to a whole number): Fewer than 7 organizations: do not sample (i.e. survey all groups); - 8-10 organizations: sample 60 percent; - 11-14 organizations: sample 50 percent; - 15-20 organizations: sample 40 percent; - More than 20 organizations: sample 30 percent where possible, 20 percent as needed.

Sampling deviation

At the organizational level, the individual groups selected for the survey were not chosen randomly, instead, they were chosen for interviews based on their availability at the time of data collection and ease of contact.

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Personal Interview [capi]

Research instrument

Individual/Household level: - Questionnaire used: Empowering Women in Small Scale Fisheries for Sustainable Food Systems Individual Questionnaire. - Language: English. Focus Groups level: - Questionnaire used: Empowering Women in Small Scale Fisheries for Sustainable Food Systems Focus Groups Discussions Questionnaire. - Language: English. Key Informants Interview: - Questionnaire used:

The GRSF Areas Database is a collaborative initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the University of Washington, and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). It represents the most comprehensive global repository of spatial information on areas related to fisheries and stocks, encompassing biological distribution areas, assessment areas, statistical areas, and management areas.

The database integrates official geospatial information provided by national authorities and international organizations such as Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFBs) and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). Construction of the GRSF ADB relies exclusively on authoritative sources—including official maps, GIS portals, area coordinates, and official codes—which are subsequently harmonized through the geoflow framework to ensure compliance with GRSF Standards.

The GRSF Areas Database serves as the foundation of the GRSF geospatial components, enabling the georeferencing and visualization of stocks and fisheries, supporting data alignment across source databases, and ensuring consistent spatial representation of fisheries related areas worldwide.

We compiled a comprehensive dataset of geo-referenced catches from global tuna fisheries available at a spatial resolution of 1° and 5° grid areas. This dataset was created by harmonizing public domain data from the five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (t-RFMOs) for the period 1950-2023. Under the auspices of the Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we developed a systematic data flow process in collaboration with the t-RFMO Secretariats. This process involved the implementation of a data exchange format adhering to the standards of the FAO Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP), facilitating the seamless integration of data into the dataset.Geo-referenced catch data from tuna fisheries are reported in either the number of fish or live-weight equivalent (metric tonnes), with some strata providing catches in both units. The catches primarily represent the quantities of retained fish either landed or transhipped at sea and in ports. The data are stratified by year, month, fishing fleet, fishing gear, fishing mode, 1° or 5° grid area of longitude and latitude, and taxon.The dataset encompasses 49 medium- and large-sized pelagic species found in both neritic and oceanic habitats of the world's oceans. This includes 15 species of tunas, 10 species of billfish, 7 species of Spanish mackerels, 2 species of bonitos, and wahoo. Despite uncertainties and incomplete data due to under-reporting, the dataset also includes reported catches for 14 species of pelagic sharks and rays that may be either targeted or incidentally caught in tuna and tuna-like fisheries.The dataset serves as a benchmark for the monitoring and assessment of both artisanal and industrial fisheries from over 115 fishing fleets across 114 countries that have exploited tuna and tuna-like species for subsistence and commercial purposes over more than seven decades.

Trade data used in Nash et al. (in press).

International marine fisheries trade data for 2015 from Watson, et al. 2017 Marine Policy. This data links fisheries capture data to seafood exports and imports reported by FAO. Flows of fish in the global seafood trade are traced in tonnes by matching commodity groups to taxa and trading partners for seafood from UN's annual Comtrade data (1988–2015). Where no information on trade was available, WTO's primary trading partner data were used. Trade flows are identified according to importing and exporting country.

Data also provided for coefficient of variation of tonnage of fish imported by nations from 1976-2015.

Please contact Kirsty Nash (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0976-3197) with any questions about the dataset.

This GeoServer WFS provides access to geographic data from the FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture Department. See also the specific WFS service instances for FIGIS or other specific collections.

Data tables in this section present the commercial fisheries landings for the top 40 producing countries in the world. The data covers the period from 1990-2018 and are based on the most recent statistics available from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The main sources of information for the species distribution are the habitat description and geographic range contained in the published FAO Catalogues of Species (more details at http://www.fao.org/fishery/fishfinder ). Terms used in the descriptive context of the FAO Catalogues were converted in standard depth, geographic and ecological regions and inserted into a Geographic Information System.