Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2025/10/29

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics Publication is an annual publication that provides up-to-date data to beneficiaries and decision-makers on marine fisheries in the Kingdom, covering both traditional and industrial methods along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. It also includes data on aquaculture projects in the Kingdom, foreign trade of marine products, and loans granted to fisheries and aquaculture activities. All this information is presented in the form of statistical tables and analytical reports to support decision-makers and researchers.
Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics are based on agricultural surveys and administrative records. Data on the main characteristics are collected as follows::
•    Fish and shrimp catch in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
•    Fish aquaculture farms
•    Fish and shrimp production in fish aquaculture farms.
•    Material production inputs for fish aquaculture farms.
•    Exports and imports of marine products.
•    Developmental loans granted to fisheries and aquaculture projects.
•    Implementation of international instruments aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Kingdom.
•    Progress made by countries in implementing a legal, regulatory, policy, and institutional framework that recognizes and protects the rights of small-scale fisheries to access marine resources.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4) used to describe the productive activities of an establishment. 
The Harmonized System of Classification of Goods (HSL7):
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.
The classification is used to categorize the exports and imports of marine products.
The classifications are available on GASTAT website:  Classifications - General Authority for Statistics

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts for Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics:
•    Main activity of fish farms:
It is the activity that accounts for more than 50% of the annual income of the holding during the agricultural year, derived from fish farming and aquaculture in freshwater and saline water, such as fish farms specialized in producing fish or shrimp.  
•    Aquaculture: 
An agricultural activity concerned with the production of aquatic organisms such as fish and shrimp.
•    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.
•    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. 
•    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.
•    Developmental loans granted: 
Loans provided to finance fisheries and aquaculture activities.
•    Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development concerns the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It aims to achieve a balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. It also relies on the efficient use of natural resources, promoting innovation, and adopting clean technologies, with a focus on improving the quality of life for all. Some of the key indicators covered by the publication include:
-    Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Indicator (SDG: 14.6.1):
It measures the progress of countries in implementing international agreements aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
-    Access rights for small-scale fisheries (SDG: 14.b.1):
It measures the extent to which the legal, regulatory, policy, and institutional framework recognizing and protecting access rights for small-scale fisheries is implemented.

Data sources

The data on Marine fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics is based on two sources:
First source: The 2024 Agricultural Survey was conducted using an electronic field questionnaire, and its data are quantitative in nature (numbers, areas, and quantities).
Second source: Registry data from the following government agencies:
•    Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture:
The data from the ministry were relied upon, analyzed, and incorporated into the publication. The data are quantitative in nature (numbers, areas, and quantities).
•    Agricultural Development Fund.
Data on loans granted for fisheries and aquaculture activities for 2024. The data are quantitative in nature (numbers and percentages).

Designing the data collection tool

A data collection tool was designed for two sources: 
Survey data for aquaculture projects:
An electronic questionnaire (CAPI) was designed to ensure ease of use by field researchers, along with a telephone version (CATI) for contacting respondents when needed, and a web-based version (CAWI) sent via email link for self-completion.  The tool’s design went through several steps, including identifying the key variables and constructing the questions based on the concepts, definitions, and classifications provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, which are aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards.
The agricultural project survey questionnaire for specialized projects (freshwater/saline aquaculture) consists of 10 sections:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data
•    Section two: Identification data:
•    Section three: Fish farming methods
•    Section four: Production, sales, and use of fingerlings/larvae.
•    Section five: Commodity production requirements
•    Section six: Data on land use of holdings.
•    Section seven: Change in assets
•    Section eight: Number of employees and their due compensations
•    Section nine: Income, expenses, and subsidies.
•    Section Ten: Methods of waste and mortality disposal.
Key indicators of the data collection tool:

Review and Correction Rules:
To ensure the quality of agricultural survey data, four types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:
•    Automated adjustment rules:
These rules are applied for the automatic calculation of certain fields or automatic adjustment of responses in specific fields to align with some questionnaires, totaling approximately 30 rules.
•    Navigation rules between sections and fields:
Special rules were programmed to organize automatic navigation between sections and fields, as well as between agricultural survey questionnaires, based on the respondent’s input, totaling approximately 20 rules.
•    Error rules:
These rules cannot be bypassed during data entry. The field researcher must correct the data by referring back to the respondent to ensure accuracy. There are approximately 170 such rules.
•    Alert (Warning) Rules:
These rules are designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the researcher. The field researcher may override them if the data accuracy is confirmed, with a total of approximately 30 rules.
Survey questionnaire:
Questionnaire of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics:
Survey questionnaire
Fisheries Administrative Data:
A data collection tool was designed based on standardized data request tables sent to the relevant data providers, with the aim of obtaining periodic, coordinated, and verified data on fisheries indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

The aquaculture projects questionnaire was tested to assess the respondent’s understanding of its questions. The questions were presented to the respondent, and the answers were recorded in a cognitive test form designed by specialists at GASTAT.

Statistical population

The statistical population for Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics comprises all fishing areas along the western and eastern coasts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as all specialized agricultural projects for aquaculture farms across the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom. This population is characterized by the production of various marine products (fish, crustaceans, etc.) and is based on the agricultural framework established during the implementation of the comprehensive agricultural survey in 2023.

Sample Design

No sample is designed or drawn, as the survey is a complete census covering the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It relies on the 2023 agricultural framework for specialized aquaculture projects (freshwater/saline).

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit in Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics consists of agricultural holdings (aquaculture farms) and fishing harbors.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Fisheries and aquaculture data are collected through telephone interviews (CATI), online questionnaires (CAWI), or face-to-face interviews (CAPI).
Data collection from administrative records:
Administrative data for fisheries and aquaculture statistics are obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and the Agricultural Development Fund. The data are stored in GASTAT's databases after undergoing verification and review according to approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. In case of errors or observations, the data source is consulted. Additionally, both administrative and survey data are checked for consistency, completeness, logical accuracy, and to ensure no duplication.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics is conducted on an annual basis. 

Reference area

Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics cover data at two geographical levels within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are:
•    The Kingdom’s coasts with respect to fisheries activities.
•    The administrative regions (13 regions) with respect to aquaculture activities.

Reference period (time reference)

The data of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics are based on the year 2024.

Base period

Not applicable.

Measurement unit

•    Tons such as: Amounts of catches, exports and imports.
•    Numbers such as: Number of boats 
•    Cubic meter such as: Pond volume.
•    Saudi Riyal such as: Development loans.

Time coverage

•    Fisheries Data: Available for the period from 2020 to 2024. 
•    Aquaculture project data: Available for the period from 2020 to 2024.

Publication frequency

The results of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics are published annually according to the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

First: Survey data: Accurate procedures are carried out to detect errors in the data collected during the field survey and stored in the data lake. This is achieved through the automation of the data collection tool and the implementation of necessary constraints and procedures to control and manage the entered data, ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency. Additionally, supportive methods are used to measure quality indicators, such as the survey response rate. These procedures include:
•    Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as inconsistent quantities or numbers.
•    Detecting missing values.
•    Reviewing internal consistency between questionnaire responses to verify logical relationships and data accuracy.
•    Comparing survey data with previous data to ensure validity and to prepare for data processing, results extraction, and review.
Second: Register-based data: Verification and review procedures are conducted through: 
•    Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as inconsistent quantities or totals.
•    Categorizing data to verify accuracy, with reference to the primary data source when errors or quality issues are detected.
•    Reviewing internal consistency among the provided data to ensure logical coherence.
•    Comparing the provided data with previous records to ensure validity and prepare for data processing, results extraction, and review.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

The data on Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics are based on two sources:
•    Administrative record data from relevant entities
•    Statistical survey data.
The process of data matching and integration to verify it in terms of its consistency is carried out through several steps: 
•    Checking for duplication or variation in values.
•    Comparing common variables (such as the number of projects and production quantities).
•    Resolving discrepancies by giving priority to the most accurate and comprehensive data.
This procedure aims to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the final data used in preparing the statistical publication, providing a clear and standardized picture of the status of fisheries and aquaculture projects.

Imputation and calibration

Handling missing values (Imputation):
In cases of missing or incomplete data, approved statistical imputation methods are applied, such as using central tendency measures or the hot deck method, where missing values are replaced based on a set of variables within the same dataset, or the cold deck method, where an external source is used based on a set of variables. This is done to minimize missing cases. Administrative records are also consulted to support data completion, ensuring completeness and consistency in the final results.
Procedures for calculating variables and aggregates:
•    By region: total production is calculated for each administrative region by summing the production quantities of all listed types (fish and shrimp).
•    By type: to calculate total production by type (fish or shrimp), production quantities of the same type across all administrative regions are summed.
•    By source: production from fisheries and aquaculture is differentiated, with data aggregated separately for each source by administrative region and type.
Non-response:
If some projects do not provide a response during the field visit, and since data collection is conducted as a complete census, administrative records and available historical time series for these projects are used to complete the data, ensuring comprehensiveness and accuracy of the results.

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable. The final results are published based on the available agricultural survey data and data provided by the relevant authorities.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable. The results are published in their final form and are not released as preliminary results.

Used Resources

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A standard that measures the extent to which the product meets the needs of users.

User needs 

Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture product aims to provide fundamental and structured data on fisheries and aquaculture activities, and to build a reliable information base that supports decision-makers and researchers.  It also contributes to preparing studies and conducting local, regional, and international comparisons to develop this vital sector.
Key variables that users benefit from include:
•    Quantity of catch from Marine Fisheries
•    Quantity of Aquaculture Project Production
•    Quantity of production inputs used.
•    Export quantities of marine products.
Users of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics include: 
•    Internal users within GASTAT: 
-    National accounts and price statistics.
-    International indicators.
•    External users who rely heavily on fisheries and aquaculture statistics, including:
-    Government entities.

-    Regional and international organizations.

-    Research institutions.
-    Media.
-    Individuals.

Completeness 

A comprehensive review of data from various sources was conducted to ensure its completeness and compliance with national requirements and international standards, including SDG indicators and other relevant metrics.  This review aimed to guarantee the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and alignment of the data with international standards.
The publication includes the following key elements: 
•     Number of aquaculture projects across the Kingdom’s regions.
•    Catch quantities from the coasts by region and production quantities in aquaculture projects by region.
•     Exports and imports of marine products in the Kingdom.
•     Loans granted for fisheries and aquaculture activities.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

Errors that may be detected and affect data accuracy:
•    Updating the Statistical Frame:
The number of aquaculture projects in the agricultural frame may differ from the actual number of projects registered in official records due to delays in updating the frame or the exclusion of some new projects.
•    Data aggregation errors:
Aggregated totals may not match the details by type due to differences in aggregation methods from the source.
Data accuracy and reliability are ensured through:
•    Using updated statistical frameworks.
•    Training and qualifying data specialists to enhance their efficiency.
•    Applying alert rules, error rules, and correction rules during data collection in the electronic questionnaire.
•    Comparing data with previous years to identify any significant changes.
•    Verifying internal consistency of the data, including coordination with the data-providing entity to standardize coverage and ensure consistency between totals.
•    Examining relationships between variables and ensuring consistency across time series of different datasets.

Timeliness and punctuality 

A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics are published according to the release dates specified in the statistical calendar available on GASTAT's website, following the schedule outlined in the statistical calendar.

Coherence and comparability

Statistics should be consistent internally and over time, and logically interconnected across scope and statistical domains, meaning that data should be comparable across regions and countries as well as across different time periods for the same region, and data from diverse sources can be combined and used interchangeably.

Comparability - geographical

Statistical data related to fisheries and aquaculture are fully comparable geographically across the regions of the Kingdom, as well as at the regional and international levels. This comparability is ensured by the standards used in designing the aquaculture projects questionnaire (both saline and freshwater), which are based on the concepts, definitions, and classifications provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Furthermore, the geographic distribution of projects has not changed within the administrative boundaries of the Kingdom, ensuring that key indicators and their related variables remain unaffected.  Concepts and definitions aligned with international standards have been adopted to ensure the accuracy and quality of the statistical Publication.

Comparability - over time 

The ability to compare current data with historical data has been maintained. Despite continuous improvements in the survey and updates to the questionnaire, the results of the Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture publication remain comparable over time.
The main changes to the publication are as follows:
•    2015:
The agricultural census included a comprehensive enumeration of aquaculture projects.
•    2017 – 2018:
The first survey of aquaculture projects was conducted, with data published in 2018 and 2019.
•    2019:
A gap in aquaculture data occurred, as data collection was not conducted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
•    2020:
The first administrative publication covering fisheries statistics from 2000 to 2020 was issued, whereas aquaculture publications had previously been published independently.
•    2021:
The aquaculture survey resumed for two years, providing data for the reference years 2020 and 2021.
•    2022:
A data gap in aquaculture, as the survey was not conducted in preparation for the comprehensive agricultural survey of 2023.
•    2023:
The fisheries administrative publication and the aquaculture projects survey were merged under a single title: Fishery and Aquaculture Publication 2023.

Coherence- Cross domain

The General Authority for Statistics has ensured the consistency of fisheries and aquaculture data by aligning them with international trade statistics based on the Harmonized System for commodity classification and coding (HS 2017). This includes verifying that export and import data for marine products are consistent with the publication's results and ensuring that quantities are coherent when aggregated across multiple levels (e.g., product type and reference year).  In case of any discrepancies between sources, their causes are systematically analyzed and addressed according to approved statistical quality standards.  This process aims to provide a consistent and reliable picture of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the Kingdom, facilitating temporal comparisons and enhancing alignment with national and international data sources. 

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Fisheries statistics data are integrated with the requirements of national accounts through the adoption of approved economic classifications, such as the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC4).  The publication's results including data on production quantities, changes in assets, number of employed persons and their compensations, as well as income, expenditure, and price data are used as key inputs to estimate the contribution of the fisheries and aquaculture sector to GDP within the national accounts framework.  Continuous coordination with national accounts statistics ensures consistency between the publication's results and macroeconomic indicators.

Coherence- Internal 

The Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics publication is internally consistent, with statistics within a single dataset aligning in terms of logical sequencing of values and consistency across different measures, such as totals, quantities, and percentages.
Internal consistency is verified through:
•    Ensuring that data logically align with one another within the overall context of the bulletin.
•    Matching totals with detailed data by type, administrative region, and coasts.
•    Reviewing relationships between indicators and variables, such as production quantities, number of projects, and number of ponds.

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: Press release

Publications

The General Authority for Statistics ensures that the results of the Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics publication are published in a way that serves all users. This includes publications in various formats containing tables, charts of data and indicators, the methodology and quality report, and the questionnaires used, all available in both Arabic and English.
The results of Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics are available at the link:
Official website of the General Authority for Statistics – Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database on the link:
Statistical database

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

The processing and classification of raw data for Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics relied on the classification and coding inputs collected during data collection, and were organized based on the concepts, definitions, and classifications provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics - FAO
The Guidelines for Completing the Questionnaire (Researcher Handbook) were adopted as the main reference for data collection teams and were officially used during the survey implementation. The handbook provides clear instructions for filling out the questionnaire, comprehensive explanations of the concepts and definitions used, and guidance for handling various field situations, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and consistency with survey standards.
Furthermore, the calculation of indicators 14.b.1 and 14.6.1 followed the methodology issued by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).

SDG Indicators

Quality assurance

GASTAT considers the following principles: Impartiality, ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented, maintaining the quality of processes and outputs, enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations, and reducing the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various 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 stage of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each stage 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.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only. Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data of Marine Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some 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: (name, address, contact number, identity number etc.) or indirectly (by combining different - especially rare - characteristics of respondents) such as: (age, occupation, education etc.).

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

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

User access

One of the objectives of the General Authority for Statistics is to better meet the needs of its users; therefore, the results of the Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics publication are made available to all users immediately upon release.
It also receives questions and inquiries from clients about the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  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).