Aquaculture production by species (fish_aq)

National Reference Metadata in ESS Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS)

Compiling agency: Statistics Belgium


Eurostat metadata
Reference metadata
1. Contact
2. Statistical presentation
3. Statistical processing
4. Quality management
5. Relevance
6. Accuracy and reliability
7. Timeliness and punctuality
8. Coherence and comparability
9. Accessibility and clarity
10. Cost and Burden
11. Confidentiality
12. Comment
Related Metadata
Annexes (including footnotes)
 



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1. Contact Top
1.1. Contact organisation

Statistics Belgium
1.2. Contact organisation unit

Economy Directorate
1.5. Contact mail address

North Gate - Bureau 4 B 020
Koning Albert II-laan 16 - 1000 Brussel


2. Statistical presentation Top
2.1. Data description

Main characteristics

2.1.1 Describe shortly the main characteristics of the statistics 

Aquaculture production statistics as defined in Regulation (EC) 762/2008 contain four different datasets:
AQ2A - Aquaculture production volume at first sale for human consumption (excluding hatcheries and nurseries) by species, FAO Major Area, cultivation method and aquatic environment.
AQ2B - Production of fish eggs (roe) for human consumption at first sale by species, by FAO Major Area, cultivation method and aquatic environment.
AQ3 - Input to capture-based aquaculture, i.e. wild seed, by species.
AQ4 - Production of juveniles and fertilised eggs at first sale for further on-growing or release to the wild by species.
The production volume is measured in tonnes live weight (TLW) and economic value as unit price in national currency per tonne (NAC_T/TLW), with the exception of juveniles and fertilised eggs which are measured in numbers.
In addition, a fifth dataset (AQ5) provides information on the size (in hectares, 1000 cubic metres or metres) of aquaculture production facilities segmented by species group, FAO Major Area, cultivation method and aquatic environment.


Reference period

2.1.2 Reference period of the data collection 

2022


National legislation

2.1.3 Is there a national legislation covering these statistics? No
If Yes, please answer all the following questions.
2.1.4 Name of the national legislation
2.1.5 Link to the national legislation
2.1.6 Responsible organisation for the national legislation
2.1.7 Year of entry into force of the national legislation
2.1.8 Please indicate which variables required under EU regulation are not covered by national legislation, if any.
2.1.9 Please indicate which national definitions differ from those in the EU regulation, if any.
2.1.10 Is there a legal obligation for respondents to reply?


Additional comments to data description
2.2. Classification system

The following variables are recorded with regard to aquaculture production:
a) 'Species' means the species of aquatic organisms identified using the international 3-alpha code as defined by the FAO (ASFIS List of Species for Fishery Statistics Purposes). Individual species are grouped in aggregates according to their taxonomy and living habits. These aggregates are specified in the International Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants (ISSCAAP) and indicated in the ASFIS list.
b) 'FAO major areas' means the geographical areas as defined by the FAO (CWP Handbook of fishery statistical standards). The FAO major areas covered are: 27 'Northeast Atlantic', 37 'Mediterranean and Black Sea', 34 'Atlantic Eastern Central', 5 'European inland waters', 1 'African inland waters'.
c) 'Cultivation method' includes ponds, cages, tanks and raceways, enclosures and pens, recirculation systems, others and not specified. For molluscs also on-bottom and off-bottom systems.
d) 'Aquatic environment' distinguishes the water types fresh water and salt (sea and brackish) water.
The methods and water types are defined in Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 762/2008.
2.3. Coverage - sector

Off-farm commercial aquaculture production destined to human consumption
2.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

According to Regulation (EC) 762/2008, aquaculture production means the output from aquaculture at first sale. For animals, only production for human consumption is considered, while ornamental or functional species as well as feed production is excluded. By contrast, aquatic plants will be recorded notwithstanding their final use.
The production volume is expressed in tonnes live weight [TLW] of the product. This weight includes all shells and bones. Data for the economic value of the production are reported as unit price in national currency per tonne [NAC_T]. The production of hatcheries and nurseries is reported in numbers and expressed in millions. Data on the structure of the aquaculture sector are expressed in thousand cubic metres, hectares or, optionally, 'metres rope length' according to the method.
2.5. Statistical unit

Aquaculture production facility
2.6. Statistical population

All commercially active aquaculture production facilities within the national territory
2.7. Reference area
2.7.1 Geographical area covered

The entire territory of the country
2.7.2 Which special Member State territories are included?

Not applicable
2.8. Coverage - Time

2006-Today
2.9. Base period

Not applicable.


3. Statistical processing Top
3.1. Source data

Overall summary

3.1.1 Total number of different data sources used

3
The breakdown is as follows:
3.1.2 Total number of sources of the type "Census"

1
3.1.3 Total number of sources of the type "Sample Survey"

0
3.1.4 Total number of sources of the type "Administrative source"

1
3.1.5 Total number of sources of the type "Experts"

1
3.1.6 Total number of sources of the type "Other sources"

0


Census

These questions only apply to censuses. If there is more than one census, please describe the main census below and the additional ones in table 3.1 of the annexed Excel file 
3.1.7 Name/Title

Aquaculture Belgium 2022
3.1.8 Name of Organisation responsible

Statistics Belgium
3.1.9 Main scope

Production of aquaculture  products for human consumption
3.1.10 List used to build the frame

List with relevant aquaculture companies - updated on behalf of the advice of the expert and the administrative register of FASFC
3.1.11 Any possible threshold values

None
3.1.12 Population size

About 140 registrations/authorisations by the FASFC to cultivate fish (FASFC= the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain) 

Only 9 relevant companies active in the production of aquaculture for human consumption.

Most of the other companies are active in sportfishery, registred for research purposes and technical services in the sector.
3.1.13 Surveyed entity Production facitlity
3.1.14 If Enterprise, please specify
3.1.15 Additional comments

Only the relevant companies were contacted by phone or email and interviewed concerning their production and activities in 2022.  About 9 relevant companies were active in aquaculture for human consumption (sportfishery, restocking and research were excluded), of which 1 company has stopped after years of activity and  another company is in bankruptcy

In the Belgian part of the North Sea projects are underway to investigate the possibilities of seaweed  and oyster cultivation.

1 company started commercial production of red seaweed on land in 2022. First production is  expected in 2023

Commercial production of mussels is started in 2023.

The production of micro algae is limited to 2 important companies which produce exclusively for the export.  Their products are exported as dry matters for the industry and feed production for crustaceae.

2 small scale companies are active in the production of spirulina /chlorela

The production  is limited to some kg's and reused in healty food products. 

For the moment there are problems with the marketing of the spiralina healthy products.  So no commercial production as such.

Projects have been launched to valorise waste products and waste water with the help of algae and, on the other hand, also to look at carbon emissions on farms.  One small scale companie started commercial production of chlorela in 2023.


Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 3.1 of the annexed Excel file 
3.1.16 Name/Title
3.1.17 Name of Organisation responsible
3.1.18 Main scope
3.1.19 List used to build the frame
3.1.20 Any possible threshold values
3.1.21 Population size
3.1.22 Surveyed entity
3.1.23 If Enterprise, please specify
3.1.24 Sample size
3.1.25 Sampling basis
3.1.26 If Other, please specify
3.1.27 Type of sample design
3.1.28 If Other, please specify
3.1.29 If Stratified, number of strata
3.1.30 If Stratified, stratification criteria
3.1.31 If Other, please specify
3.1.32 Additional comments


Administrative source

These questions only apply to administrative sources. If there is more than one administrative source, please describe the main source below and the additional ones in table 3.1 of the annexed Excel file 
3.1.33 Name/Title

Aquaculture production business register
3.1.34 Name of Organisation responsible

Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)
3.1.35 Contact information (email and phone) Restricted from publication
3.1.36 Main administrative scope

Follow up of the Veterinary status and Food Safety
3.1.37 Geospatial Coverage National
3.1.38 Update frequency Annual
3.1.39 Legal basis
3.1.40 Are you able to access directly to the micro data? No
3.1.41 Are you able to check the plausibility of the data, namely by contacting directly the units? No
3.1.42 How would you assess the proximity of the definitions and concepts (including statistical units) used in the administrative source with those required in the EU regulation? Medium
3.1.43 Please list the main differences between the administrative source and the statistical definitions and concepts

Veterinary units can differ from production facilities.

Activities are more extended than the production for human consumption.

No production data are available, only a summary of the identification and registration of the enterprises is available.
3.1.44 Is a different threshold used in the administrative source and statistical data? No
3.1.45 If Yes, please specify
3.1.46 Additional comments

This business register is only used to check the completeness of our aquaculture register


Experts

If there is more than one Expert source, please describe the main one below and the additional ones in table 3.1 of the annexed Excel file 
3.1.47 Name/Title

Experts of the "Aquaculture Platform" in Belgium
3.1.48 Primary purpose

Check the completeness of the survey and to follow up the developments in the sector
3.1.49 Legal basis
3.1.50 Update frequency
3.1.51 Expert data supplier
3.1.52 If Other, please specify
3.1.53 How would you assess the quality of those data?
3.1.54 Additional comments


Other sources

If there is more than one other statistical activity, please describe the main one below and the additional ones in table 3.1 of the annexed Excel file 
3.1.55 Name/Title
3.1.56 Name of Organisation
3.1.57 Primary purpose
3.1.58 Data type
3.1.59 If Other, please specify
3.1.60 How would you assess the quality of those data?
3.1.61 Additional comments

 
3.2. Frequency of data collection

Annual
3.3. Data collection

Census

These questions only apply to censuses. If there is more than one census, please describe the main census below and the additional ones in table 3.3 of the annexed Excel file 
3.3.1 Name/Title

Aquaculture Belgium 2022
3.3.2 Methods of data collection Telephone interview
3.3.3 If Other, please specify
3.3.4 If face-to-face or telephone interview, which method is used? Paper questionnaire
3.3.5 Data entry method, if paper questionnaires? Manual
3.3.6 Please annex the questionnaire used (if very long: please provide the hyperlink)
3.3.7 Additional comments


Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 3.3 of the annexed Excel file 
3.3.8 Name/Title
3.3.9 Methods of data collection
3.3.10 If Other, please specify
3.3.11 If face-to-face or telephone interview, which method is used?
3.3.12 Data entry method, if paper questionnaires?
3.3.13 Please annex the questionnaire used (if very long: please provide the hyperlink)
3.3.14 Additional comments


Administrative source

These questions only apply to administrative sources. If there is more than one administrative source, please describe the main source below and the additional ones in table 3.3 of the annexed Excel file 
3.3.15 Name/Title
3.3.16 Extraction date
3.3.17 How easy is it to get access to the data?
3.3.18 Data transfer method
3.3.19 Additional comments


Experts

If there is more than one other statistical activity, please describe the main one below and the additional ones in table 3.3 of the annexed Excel file 
3.3.20 Name/Title

Experts of the "Aquaculture Platform" in Belgium
3.3.21 Methods of data collection

Telephone call with expert
3.3.22 Additional comments


Annexes:
questionnaire used to support the telephone interview
3.4. Data validation
3.4.1 Which kind of data validation measures are in place? Manual
3.4.2 What do they target? Completeness
Aggregates
Other
3.4.3 If Other, please specify

Valid value
3.5. Data compilation
3.5.1 Describe the data compilation process

not necessary because of the telephonic contact - if needed the contact person gives us a correct estimate according to our definition
3.5.2 Additional comments
3.6. Adjustment

not applicable


4. Quality management Top
4.1. Quality assurance
4.1.1 Is there a quality management system used in the organisation? No
4.1.2 If yes, how is it implemented?
4.1.3 Has a peer review been carried out? No
4.1.4 If Yes, which were the main conclusions?
4.1.5 What quality improvements are foreseen?
4.1.6 If Other, please specify
4.1.7 Additional comments

No quality improvement measures are planned because of the small size of the population.
4.2. Quality management - assessment

Development since the last quality report

4.2.1 Overall quality Stable
4.2.2 Relevance Stable
4.2.3 Accuracy and reliability Stable
4.2.4 Timeliness and punctuality Stable
4.2.5 Comparability Stable
4.2.6 Coherence Stable
4.2.7 Additional comments

The small size of the population, the specialisation of the firms per species and the personal contact by phone ensure a good quality and reliable data.


5. Relevance Top
5.1. Relevance - User Needs
5.1.1 If certain user needs are not met, please specify which and why
5.1.2 Please specify any plans to satisfy needs more completely in the future
5.1.3 Additional comments

Problem with confidentiality
5.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
5.2.1 Has a user satisfaction survey been conducted? No
If Yes, please answer all the following questions
5.2.2 Year of the user satisfaction survey
5.2.3 How satisfied were the users?
5.2.4 Additional comments
5.3. Completeness
5.3.1 AQ2A - Data completeness - rate

50 %

(flag "n" for small confidential production volumes)

the corresponding values for production and prices were not atttached
5.3.2 AQ2B - Data completeness - rate

50 %

(flag "n" for small confidential production volumes)

the corresponding values for production and prices were not atttached
5.3.3 AQ3 - Data completeness - rate

Belgium is exempted
5.3.4 AQ4 - Data completeness - rate

50 %

(flag "n" for small confidential production volumes)

the corresponding values for production and prices were not atttached
5.3.5 AQ5 - Data completeness - rate

100%
5.3.6 If not complete, which characteristics are missing?

Productions and values because of the "n" flag (no significant production)
5.3.7 Additional comments

Problem with confidentiality because of the structure of the sector which is highly specialised with a limited number of enterprises most of which focus on one species.


6. Accuracy and reliability Top
6.1. Accuracy - overall
6.1.1 How good is the accuracy? Very good
6.1.2 What are the main factors lowering the accuracy? Other
6.1.3 If Other, please specify

There is no known factor.
6.1.4 Additional comments

Very good accuracy because of the personal contact by phone and the low number of respondents
6.2. Sampling error

Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 6.2 of the annexed Excel file 
6.2.1 Name/Title
6.2.2 Methods used to assess the sampling error
6.2.3 If Other, please specify
6.2.4 If coefficients of variation are calculated, please describe the calculation methods and formulas
6.2.5 Sampling error - indicators

Please provide the coefficients of variation in the worksheet CV of the annexed Excel file
6.2.6 Additional comments

not applicable
6.3. Non-sampling error

See sections below.
6.3.1. Coverage error

Census

These questions only apply to censuses. If there is more than one census, please describe the main census below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.1.1 Name/Title

Aquaculture Belgium 2022
Over-coverage 
6.3.1.2 Over-coverage - rate

Not available.
Under-coverage 
6.3.1.3 Does the sample frame include all units falling within the scope of this survey? Yes
6.3.1.4 If Not, which units are not included?
6.3.1.5 How large do you estimate the proportion of those units? (%)
6.3.1.6 Impact on the data quality
Misclassification 
6.3.1.7 Impact on the data quality None
Common units 
6.3.1.8 Common units - proportion

Not applicable
6.3.1.9 Additional comments


Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file  
6.3.1.10 Name/Title
Over-coverage 
6.3.1.11 Over-coverage - rate

Not available.
Under-coverage 
6.3.1.12 Does the sample frame include all units falling within the scope of this survey?
6.3.1.13 If Not, which units are not included?
6.3.1.14 How large do you estimate the proportion of those units? (%)
6.3.1.15 Impact on the data quality
Misclassification 
6.3.1.16 Impact on the data quality
Common units 
6.3.1.17 Common units - proportion

Not available.
6.3.1.18 Additional comments


Administrative data

These questions only apply to administrative sources. If there is more than one administrative source, please describe the main source below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.1.19 Name/Title

Aquaculture production business register
Over-coverage 
6.3.1.20 Over-coverage - rate

Not available.
Under-coverage 
6.3.1.21 Does the administrative source include all units falling within the scope of this survey? Yes
6.3.1.22 If Not, which units are not included?
6.3.1.23 How large do you estimate the proportion of those units? (%)
6.3.1.24 Impact on the data quality
Misclassification 
6.3.1.25 Impact on the data quality None
6.3.1.26 Additional comments
6.3.2. Measurement error

Census

These questions only apply to censuses. If there is more than one census, please describe the main census below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.2.1 Name/Title

Aquaculture Belgium 2022
6.3.2.2 Is the questionnaire based on usual concepts for respondents? Yes
6.3.2.3 Number of censuses already performed with the current questionnaire?

8
6.3.2.4 Explanatory notes/handbook for surveyors/respondents?  Yes
6.3.2.5 On-line FAQ or Hot-line support for surveyors/respondents? No
6.3.2.6 Other actions taken for reducing the measurement error?
6.3.2.7 Additional comments

measurement  error are negligible because of the personal contact by phone


Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.2.8 Name/Title
6.3.2.9 Is the questionnaire based on usual concepts for respondents?
6.3.2.10 Number of surveys already performed with the current questionnaire?
6.3.2.11 Explanatory notes/handbook for surveyors/respondents? 
6.3.2.12 On-line FAQ or Hot-line support for surveyors/respondents?
6.3.2.13 Other actions taken for reducing the measurement error?
6.3.2.14 Additional comments
6.3.3. Non response error

Census

These questions only apply to censuses. If there is more than one census, please describe the main census below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.3.1 Name/Title

Aquaculture Belgium 2022
6.3.3.2 Unit non-response - rate

0%
6.3.3.3 How do you evaluate the recorded unit non-response rate in the overall context?
6.3.3.4 Measures taken for minimising the unit non-response Follow-up interviews
6.3.3.5 If Other, please specify
6.3.3.6 Item non-response rate

Not available
6.3.3.7 Item non-response rate - Minimum
6.3.3.8 Item non-response rate - Maximum
6.3.3.9 Which items had a high item non-response rate? 
6.3.3.10 Additional comments

Non response  error is negligible because of the personal contact by phone


Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.3.11 Name/Title
6.3.3.12 Unit non-response - rate
6.3.3.13 How do you evaluate the recorded unit non-response rate in the overall context?
6.3.3.14 Measures taken for minimising the unit non-response
6.3.3.15 If Other, please specify
6.3.3.16 Item non-response rate
6.3.3.17 Item non-response rate - Minimum
6.3.3.18 Item non-response rate - Maximum
6.3.3.19 Which items had a high item non-response rate? 
6.3.3.20 Additional comments
6.3.4. Processing error

Census

These questions only apply to censuses. If there is more than one census, please describe the main census below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.4.1 Name/Title

Aquaculture Belgium 2022
6.3.4.2 Imputation - rate

0%
6.3.4.3 Imputation - basis
6.3.4.4 If Other, please specify
6.3.4.5 Additional comments

Processing error is negligible because of the personal contact by phone


Sample survey

These questions only apply to surveys. If there is more than one survey, please describe the main survey below and the additional ones in table 6.3 of the annexed Excel file 
6.3.4.6 Name/Title
6.3.4.7 Imputation - rate
6.3.4.8 Imputation - basis
6.3.4.9 If Other, please specify
6.3.4.10 How do you evaluate the impact of imputation on Coefficients of Variation?
6.3.4.11 Additionnal comments
6.3.5. Model assumption error

Not applicable
6.4. Seasonal adjustment

Not applicable
6.5. Data revision - policy

None
6.6. Data revision - practice
6.6.1 Data revision - average size

0
6.6.2 Were data revisions due to conceptual changes (e.g. new definitions)  carried out since the last quality report? No
6.6.3 What was the main reason for the revisions?
6.6.4 How do you evaluate the impact of the revisions?
6.6.5 Additional comments

Data revisions were not necessary because of the unchanged method to collect the information


7. Timeliness and punctuality Top
7.1. Timeliness
7.1.1 When were the first  results for the reference period published?

Publication is limited to the delivery of total production data (not per species because of the confidentiality) to EUROSTAT, FAO and to some responsible persons in the sector.
7.1.2 When were the final results for the reference period published?

Totals are sent to Eurostat and FAO in December at the same time, before the deadline of 30/12.
7.1.3 Reasons for possible long production times?

low priority compared to the other animal statistics because of the less importance of the sector in Belgium
7.2. Punctuality
7.2.1 Were data released according to a pre-announced schedule (Release Calendar)? No
7.2.2 If Yes, were data released on the target date?
7.2.3 If No, reasons for delays?

no delays as there was no release calendar
7.2.4 Number of days between the release date of data and the target date

Not applicable


8. Coherence and comparability Top
8.1. Comparability - geographical

To be assessed by Eurostat.
8.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient

Not applicable.
8.2. Comparability - over time
8.2.1 Length of comparable time series

since 2006
8.2.2 Have there been major breaks in the time series? No
8.2.3 If Yes, please specify the year of break and the reason
8.2.4 Additional comments
8.3. Coherence - cross domain
8.3.1 With which other national data sources have the data been compared?

point of view of experts
8.3.2 Describe briefly the results of comparisons
8.3.3 Additional comments

No other comparable data are available
8.4. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics

Not applicable.
8.5. Coherence - National Accounts

Not applicable.
8.6. Coherence - internal


9. Accessibility and clarity Top
9.1. Dissemination format - News release
9.1.1 Do you publish a news release? No
9.1.2 If Yes, please provide a link
9.2. Dissemination format - Publications
9.2.1. Do you produce a paper publication? No
9.2.2 If Yes, is there an English version?
9.2.3 Do you produce an electronic publication? No
9.2.4 If Yes, is there an English version?
9.2.5 Please provide a link
9.3. Dissemination format - online database
9.3.1 Data tables - consultations

Not applicable
9.3.2 Is an on-line database accessible to users? No
9.3.3 Please provide a link
9.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
9.4.1 Are micro-data accessible to users? No
9.4.2 Please provide a link
9.5. Dissemination format - other

not relevant
9.6. Documentation on methodology
9.6.1 Are national reference metadata files available? No
9.6.2 Please provide a link
9.6.3 Are methodological papers available? No
9.6.4 Please provide a link
9.6.5 Is a handbook available? No
9.6.6 Please provide a link
9.7. Quality management - documentation
9.7.1 Metadata completeness - rate

Not applicable
9.7.2 Metadata - consultations

Not applicable
9.7.3 Is a quality report available? No
9.7.4 Please provide a link


10. Cost and Burden Top
10.1 Efficiency gains over the last 3 years Other
10.2 If Other, please specify

The personal contact with the firms. 

Problems in the past (like intentions to improve production, investigations, problems with diseases or pollution) are registrated and this information facilitate the personal contact.
10.3 Burden reduction measures since the previous quality report Other
10.4 If Other, please specify

Previous registered remarks were taken into account at the moment of personal contact.  So the questionnaire is limited to the  activities of the firm.


11. Confidentiality Top
11.1. Confidentiality - policy
11.1.1 Are confidential data transmitted to Eurostat? No
11.1.2 If yes, are they confidential in the sense of Reg. (EC) 223/2009?
11.1.3 Describe the data confidentiality policy in place
11.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
11.2.1 Describe the procedures for ensuring confidentiality during dissemination

at least 3 producers per species
11.2.2 Additional comments

Approach for publishing national Aquaculture statistics: Top-down

Procedures for ensuring confidentiality of disseminated data: Other


12. Comment Top

The small size of the population, the specialisation of the firms per species and the personal contact by phone ensure a good quality and reliable data.


Related metadata Top


Annexes Top
ESQRS_ANNEX_BE