Methodology and Quality Update

Methodology and Quality last update

03/09/2024

Statistical Presentation

Data description  

The Publication of Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics presents recent data on the number of traditional and specialized fish farming farms at the level of the administrative regions of the Kingdom, the amount of production of fish, and the fisheries of both types (traditional and industrial method) and provides data on the quantities of catches on the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. it also provides data on the numbers of fishing boats, the amount of exports and imports of marine products at the level of States and loans granted to fishing, in addition to a number of important data.

Marine fishery and Aquaculture Statistics are statistics based on a comprehensive inventory of agricultural holdings and administrative records data, data are collected on the main characteristics as follows:
•    Number of specialized and traditional fish farming farms.
•    Size of the ponds. 
•    Production of fish.
•    Fingerlings used in production.
•    Amount of catches in the Red Sea.
•    Amount of catches in the Arabian Gulf.
•    Exports and imports of marine products.
•    Development loans granted to marine fishery.

Data is also used to estimates:
•    Shrimp catches in marine fisheries.
•    Number of fishing boats.
•    Traditional and industrial catches in the Red Sea.
•    Traditional catches in the Arabian Gulf.
•    Types of Area-level catches in the Red Sea. 

Classification system

The following categories are applied in fish farming and fishing statistics:
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
 The statistical classification based on the International Standard of Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4) is used to describe productive activities of an establishment. 

Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (H.S.2017):
Commodity export and import statistics are adopted in its World Customs Organization (WCO) Classification, a table for the description and classification of goods that includes sub-items, their numeric codes, sections, and chapters, in accordance with the Harmonized System of Classification of Goods signed in Brussels.
Central Product Classification (CPC 2.1):
It is a classification of products, goods and services issued by the United Nations Statistical Commission. It is intended to be an international standard for organizing and analyzing data on industrial production, national accounts, trade, prices, etc.
Metadata are collected through interviews, so that outputs can be produces in accordance with all relevant classifications.
The classifications are available on the GASTAT’s website: www.stats.gov.sa

Sector coverage

Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics cover the economic and agricultural sectors of fishing.

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts for Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics:
•    Holding: 
It is an economic unit of agricultural production, in both crops and livestock, under single management, comprising all kept livestock and all land used totally or partially for agricultural production purposes regardless of ownership, legal form or area. The holding may be run by one single person or by a household. It also may be run jointly by two or more individuals or households. Such management may be undertaken by a juridical person such as a corporation, cooperative, government agency, etc. The land of the holding may consist of one or more parcels under one name, on the condition that the parcels shall share the same means of production, such as workforce or agricultural machinery and equipment. The association may be obvious and visible to be considered one economic unit.
•    Holding Type:
There are two types of holdings:
- Traditional holding(unregulated): It is the most common type of agricultural holding in the Kingdom. Traditional holdings do not require previous approval or licenses from concerned authorities, and their production activities may be crops based, livestock based, or both.
- Specialized holding(regulated): This type of holding includes the preapproved holdings (projects) that have acquired licenses from the concerned authorities after submitting technical and economic studies for the establishment of such holdings, whether they are holdings specialized in crops, livestock, poultry or fishery production, or projects that mainly adopt modern unconventional irrigation methods, the use of agricultural mechanization and modern technology in agricultural production and specialization in production with regard to open or protected agriculture, raising cows to produce milk or fattening calves, sheep and poultry.
•    Main activity of holding:
It is the predominant activity actually practiced by the holding, which is consistent with its economic return, so that it represents more than 50% of the annual return of this holding.

For the purposes of this agricultural census, the main activities of holdings have been divided into five categories:
- Crop holding: A holding in which the agricultural activity represents more than 50% of its annual income during an agricultural year, depending on various permanent and temporary winter and summer crops. 
- Livestock holding: A holding in which the livestock activity represents more than 50% of its annual income during an agricultural year, depending on various types of fishing and livestock farmed on the holding (lamb, sheep, camel, cow, riding, and draught animals) and on beehives.
- Poultry holding: A holding in which the poultry production activity represents more than 50% of its annual income during an agricultural year, depending on various types of poultry (boiler chicken, laying chicken, parent chicken, grandparent chicken, free range chicken, other birds such as ostrich, duck, goose, or quail). Rabbits are also considered poultry.
- Fish holding: A holding in which fish production activity represents more than 50% of its annual income during an agricultural year, depending on the farming and aquaculture of fish in internal ponds such as farms dedicated to fish or shrimp production.
- Mixed holding: When the activity at the holding is mixed and none of its components represent more than 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year, provided that the holding practices three or more different activities from the following: (crops, livestock, poultry, or fish activities) and that each component represents less than 50% of the holding’s activity.
•    Agricultural year:
For the purposes of agricultural surveys, the crop production agricultural year starts on (1st March) and ends on (28th February) of the following year.
As for livestock and poultry numbers, (December 31st) is considered the reference date for enumerating the various types of animals and poultry on the holding.      
•    Agricultural production: 
The plant production of an agricultural holding, such as crops, vegetables, and evergreen trees; as well as all animal and livestock production. It includes grains, fodder, open-field and protected vegetables, cut flowers, fruits (including dates), as well as sheep, goat, cow and camel count; milk and dairy products, number of boiler chicken, table eggs, chicks, hatchery eggs, fish, ostrich and quail eggs and meat, and amount of rabbit meat and honey, in addition to secondary products, such as organic fertilizers and ostrich feathers and skin.
•    Sold from production:
The quantity of production that the farmer supplies to the markets against the price, which is part of the total production after deducting self-consumed quantities and losses or damaged items from the production. This includes plant agricultural crops, livestock, and their products. Also, produce gifted to someone other than the holding’s family member, as well as gifts, are considered part of the sold production.  Also, produce gifted to someone other than the holding’s family member, as well as gifts, are considered part of the sold production. 
•    Fisheries:
According to fishing regulations relating to fishing licenses, the marine fisheries has been divided into two sections, namely, industrial, and traditional fisheries.
•    Industrial fisheries:
It refers to the fisheries industry, which operates fishing boats that are more than nine meters long and are outfitted with contemporary equipment such as a fish-seeker, electronic navigation devices, communication devices, a winch, and highly efficient fishing facilities.
•    Traditional fisheries:
It refers to the fishing industry, which employs conventional fishing boats ranging in length from 5 to 20 meters and do not use the aforementioned contemporary navigation and technological equipment, with the exception of the usage of a winch and shrimp bottom trawls in the Arabian Gulf. 
•    Catch:
The catch is a commodity obtained by fishing and comprises all landings of fish, crabs, prawns, and shellfisheries, as well as any captured animals or plants. The catch that was discarded is not tallied. The catch is calculated using the live weight of the fish in kilos or metric tons. As a result, any catch landing as eviscerated fish, gillless fish, or any other form must be converted into live weight. Catch information is frequently gathered through in-person observation of the number of fish or ship's tackles. The fish weights are calculated by multiplying the observed number of fish, containers, or ship's tackles by the average weight of the fish, container, or ship's tackle as determined by a previous survey of these species.
•    Fishing Trips:
It means the number of fishing operations carried out by the boat. The number of fishing excursions can be calculated by counting the number of fishing boats that depart from the landing center to go fishing or the number of boats that return from fishing to the landing center.
•    Fishing days:
It refers to the length of the fishing trip, expressed in days, and in the case of a boat fishing at night from night to morning the next day, the number of fishing days is calculated as one fishing day.
•    Traditional Fisherman:
It refers to a Saudi national who works in person on one of the traditional fishing boats (and the traditional fisherman can own four traditional fishing boats).
•    Investor Fisherman:
This refers to a Saudi citizen or corporation that invests in fishing using sophisticated fishing boats.
•    Improvised fisherman:
He is a Saudi citizen who enjoys fishing but does not own any fishing boats (he is either a beach fisherman or agrees with the owner of one of the fishing boats to work on his boat).
•    Fishing Labor:
It refers to persons engaged in fishing on a fishing boat without taking into account their nationality. Fishing labor are divided into two types: the Saudi fishing labor and the non-Saudi fishing labor. The fishing labor must be registered as labor with the owner of the fishing boat, whether a fisherman or an investor.
•    Temporary Fisherman:
It refers to the children of traditional fishermen who are under 18 years of age and who are engaged in fishing.
•    Volume of imports and exports: 
It expresses the volume in net weight, which is the total weight of the commodity after the weight of the ligature and packaging is deducted.
•    Value of imports:
The value of imports is calculated on the basis of their arrival at the port and represents the cost of the goods, insurance, freight, and other costs required for the goods to arrive at the port of entry, excluding customs duties.
•    Development loans granted to marine fishery: 
Loans that are provided to finance the fields of marine fishing, whether for shrimp breeding projects, fishing boats or fishing gear.

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics is agricultural holdings and fishing areas (harbor).

Statistical population

The Statistical Society for Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics – consists of all agricultural holdings at the level of the 13administrative regions in Saudi Arabia.

Reference area

A comprehensive inventory of 13 administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.

Time coverage

The data covers the years from 2000 to 2023

Base period

Not applicable.

Unit of measure

•    Most results are measured by tons such as: Amounts of catches, exports, and imports.
•    Most results are measured by numbers such as: Number of boats and manpower.
•    Some results are measured in Saudi Riyal such as: Development loans.

Reference period

References period to the variables or dataset as following:
The data on Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics are as follows:
•    Data from the Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics Publication are based on the Day (31 December) of the reference year.
•    Annual registry data is provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund.

Confidentiality 

Confidentiality - policy

According to the Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07-12-1397, data must always be kept confidential, and must be used by GASTAT only for statistical purposes.
Therefore, the data are protected in the data servers of the Authority.

Confidentiality - data treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate its summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see the original questionnaire, which usually include data like names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,
GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly such as: (Names, addresses, contact numbers, or identification numbers. etc.) or indirectly (by combining different - especially rare - characteristics of respondents: (age, occupation, education etc.).

Release policy

Release calendar

The publication of Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics has been included in the statistical calendar.

Release calendar access

Available on the:https://www.stats.gov.sa/statistical-calendar-releases

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients' needs, so it immediately provides them with the publication's results once the Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics Publication is published.
 It also receives questions and inquiries of the clients about the Publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official e-mail address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Client support e-mail:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).

Frequency of dissemination

Annual. 

Accessibility and clarity

News release

The announcements of each publication are available on release calendar as mentioned in 7.2. Release calendar access. The news release can be viewed on the website of GASTAT through the following link:
  https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/news

Publications

GASTAT issues the Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics on a regular basis within a pre-prepared dissemination plan which is published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, methodology and quality report , and questionnaires) in both English and Arabic.
The results of Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics are available at the link:
https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/statistics

On-line database

Not available.

Micro-data access 

Microdata are unit-level datasets derived from surveys, censuses, and administrative records. These datasets provide detailed insights into individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas, supporting the development of statistical indicators and in-depth research.

The different types of microdata files to meet different information needs:
•    Public use:
It consists sets of records containing information on individual persons, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly (by name, address, contact number, identity number etc.) or indirectly (by combining different - especially rare - characteristics of respondents: age, occupation, education etc.).
•    Scientific use:
These files established based on specific methodology asked by data requester to extract the datasets with specific characteristics used for strategic studies and decision making as well scientific research purposes on individuals, households and enterprises with no direct identifiers, which have been subject to control methods to protect confidentiality.
Access to Scientific Use Files (SUF) is restricted to authorized researchers who comply with ethical and confidentiality standards. Representative samples of SUF can be obtained through GASTAT's secure platform, "Etaha," while more sensitive datasets are accessible only through secure physical lab environments managed by GASTAT.

Other

Not available.

Documentation on methodology

Framework of Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics: The disaggregation of raw data for Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics was based on the classification and coding inputs made during the data collection process so that they were classified based on the concepts, definitions and classifications received from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture based on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
https://www.fao.org/3/cb1213t/cb1213t.pdf

Quality documentation

Quality documentation covers the documentation of methods and standards for evaluating, measuring, and controlling the quality of statistical processes and outputs, which are based on quality principles and standards such as: Relevance, accuracy, reliability, timeliness, punctuality, accessibility, clarity, comparability, and consistency.

Quality management

Quality assurance

GASTAT takes the following principles into consideration: Impartiality, user-oriented, quality of processes and outputs, effectiveness of statistical processes, and reducing the workload of respondents. 
The validity of data is verified through procedures and quality controls that are implemented during the process at different stages such as: (data entry, data collection, and other final controls).

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Relevance 

User needs 

Internal users in the General Authority for Statistics of Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics:
Statistics of national accounts.

External users and major beneficiaries for Fish Farming and Fishing Statistics data, include:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.

The disseminated key variables that mostly used by key users:

User satisfaction

Not available.

Completeness 

The Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics data are based on the comprehensive field inventory and administrative records data from the relevant authorities to provide comprehensive information on marine fishery and aquaculture data in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and data in complete status.

Accuracy and reliability 

Overall accuracy

•    The data collected is improved through the researchers, that have been selected according to a set of practical and objective criteria and training program related to the field of work.
•    Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process on the electronic questionnaire for Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics to improve data quality.
•    Data is checked with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness 

GASTAT uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this Standard, all statistics agencies are required to publish data on an annual basis, and with a delay of not more than mid of year (180 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data are from different source, they may be published in a different frequency.

Punctuality

Publication takes place in accordance with published release dates for Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics in GASTAT webpage. The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

Comparability - geographical

Data are geographically comparable.

Comparability - over time 

Data is fully comparable.

Coherence- cross domain 

Not applicable. 

Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable. 

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable. 

Coherence - internal 

Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics for the reference period have complete internal consistency, as they are all based on the same set of accurate data and are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Resources used 

Data revision

Data revision - policy

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Data revision - practice

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Statistical processing

Source data

The data on Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics are based on two sources:
First source: Comprehensive inventory survey of agricultural holdings 
The disseminated key variables for inventory data are:
•    Number of specialized and traditional fish farming farms.
•    Size of the ponds. 
•    Production of fish.
•    Fingerlings used in production.

Second source: Registry data from the following government agencies:
•    Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture
•    Agricultural Development Fund.

 The main published variables from the administrative data source are:
•    Total catches from marine fisheries.
•    Catches by species in the Red Sea for traditional and industrial fisheries.
•    Catches by species in the Arabian Gulf.
•    Total catches of marine fisheries in tons in Saudi Arabia.
•    Catches from traditional marine fisheries by areas in the Red Sea (Makkah, Jazan, Asir, Tabuk and Madinah).
•    Shrimp catches in marine fisheries.
•    Number of fishing manpower.
•    Number of fishing boats in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
•    Total imports of marine products by product groups.
•    Total exports of marine products by product groups.
•    Total re-exports of marine products by product groups.
•    The Kingdom's imports of marine products at the level of countries.
•    The Kingdom's exports of marine products at the level of countries.
•    Development loans granted to the field of Marine Fishery at the level of the administrative regions of the Kingdom.

Frequency of data collection 

Annual.

Data collection

Data collection from survey:
Data for the Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics is collected through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), Computer-Assisted Web Interviews (CAWI), and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).

Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments of the Authority for the implementation of the survey and the data collection department, the data on the Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics publication are obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund.
The data is stored in the authority's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes following approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. If errors or discrepancies are discovered, the data is cross-referenced with the data source for correction or clarification.

Data validation

Data are reviewed and matched to ensure their accuracy and precision in a way that suits their nature with the aim of giving the presented statistics quality and accuracy. 
The data of the current year publication are compared with the data of the previous year to ensure their integrity and consistency in preparation for processing data and extracting and reviewing results.
In addition to the data processing and tabulation to check their accuracy, all the outputs are stored and uploaded to the database after being calculated by GASTAT to be reviewed and processed by specialists in Environment, Agriculture, and Energy Statistics Department through modern technologies and software designed for this purpose.

Data compilation

Data Coding:
In the comprehensive agricultural inventory, researchers collect from respondents, a detailed description of each field. This information is then coded in-house by an automated process, which is reviewed by a small-dedicated team of coding experts using a series of consistency checks.
Data editing:
Specialists team have processed and analyzed data in this stage, and this step was based on the following measures:
•    Sorting and arranging data in groups or different categories in a serial order.
•    Summarizing detailed data into key points or data.
•    Combining many data segments and ensuring their interconnection.
•    Processing incomplete or missing data.
•    Processing illogical data.
•    Converting data into statistically significant data.
•    Arranging, presenting and interpreting data.
Compensation (for non-response cases or incomplete datasets): 
The statistical inference method is used to compensate for lost values by using some simple mathematical operations such as "averages".
Extrapolation and weighting:
After processing the data collected from respondents, survey weights were generated to produce indicator tables by following two main steps in creating survey weights: 
•    Adjustment of non-response.
•    Calibration weight.

Adjustment

Not applicable, only final results will be published.