Aquaculture production by species (fish_aq)

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

Compiling agency: Central Statistics Office (CSO) BIM the Irish Seafood Development Agency (BIM) *Note: BIM is the primary data source for the aquaculture statistics and accompanying metadata report submitted to Eurostat.


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)
 



For any question on data and metadata, please contact: Eurostat user support

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1. Contact Top
1.1. Contact organisation

Central Statistics Office (CSO)

BIM the Irish Seafood Development Agency (BIM)

*Note: BIM is the primary data source for the aquaculture statistics and accompanying metadata report submitted to Eurostat.
1.2. Contact organisation unit

Central Statistics Office (CSO) - Environment

BIM the Irish Seafood Development Agency (BIM) - Economics and Strategic Services Unit
1.5. Contact mail address

Central Statistics Office
Ardee Road, Rathmines
Dublin 6, D03 FX52, Ireland

BIM, The National Seafood Centre,
Clogheen Industrial Estate
Clonakilty
Co. Cork
R.O.I.


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 required to be submitted annually:
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. AQ5 is required and uploaded for 2023 (every two years).


Reference period

2.1.2 Reference period of the data collection 

2023


National legislation

2.1.3 Is there a national legislation covering these statistics? Yes
If Yes, please answer all the following questions.
2.1.4 Name of the national legislation

 S.I. 132 of 2010
2.1.5 Link to the national legislation

Irish statut ebook website.
2.1.6 Responsible organisation for the national legislation

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
2.1.7 Year of entry into force of the national legislation

2010
2.1.8 Please indicate which variables required under EU regulation are not covered by national legislation, if any.

All variables required under EU regulation are covered by national legislation.
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? Yes


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

All licenced aquaculture enterprises within the State.
2.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
According to Regulation (EC) 762/2008, aquaculture production means the output from aquaculture at first sale. For fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic organisms the output from aquaculture for aquariums, of ornamental or functional species, for research purposes and production, which is not intended for sale is not included. The output from aquaculture of aquatic plants at first sale 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 unit. This is either a landbased facility or location within a coastal bay where a business applies a specific aquaculture practice upon a stock of a specific species.
2.6. Statistical population

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

The entire national territory
2.7.2 Which special Member State territories are included?

Not applicable
2.8. Coverage - Time

2008-latest data (2023)
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

5 types of sources are used and described below:

1. Clients by BIM census questionnaire

2. BIM in house administration; Grant support (separate to the census questionnaire; the Grants Unit use a separate application system requiring data provision)

3. BIM local staff estimates. These can be separate to the census questionnaire and used to edit the raw data where appropriate or feed into the census directly where regional officers might assist producers in completing questionnaires

4. Other state agency datasets, principally certain aggregated data of the Marine Institute (MI) and Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).

5. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) (for administrative data). DAFM is the definitive source of licenced ground data in terms of capacity and ownership. The census questionnaire also seeks this data from the producers to ascertain who in fact is using what and to what extent (intensity of use). A licence owned by one can be in fact be used by another.
The breakdown is as follows:
3.1.2 Total number of sources of the type "Census"

1 source (BIM): All producers to production unit level
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"

4 sources: BIM, Marine Institue (MI), Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
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

Annual production and employment survey of Irish Aquaculture
3.1.8 Name of Organisation responsible

BIM
3.1.9 Main scope

All active aquaculture production units are census surveyed by questionnaire for employment sustained, production inputs, output volumes and sales value, costs and capacity.
3.1.10 List used to build the frame

List derived in consultation with local regional officers of BIM and the BIM CRM system. The latter is the Customer Relations System where the contact details of all BIM clients are held and updated. Each BIM Regional Officer knows the licenced sites of their region and who possesses them. They therefore know all producers and potential producers of their region and the potentials are included in the surveyed population.
3.1.11 Any possible threshold values

Thresholds are not applied
3.1.12 Population size

In 2023, 281 active production units made up the census population. Production units in practicality correspond to 'enterprises'. 238 enterprises operated 281 production units.
3.1.13 Surveyed entity Enterprise
3.1.14 If Enterprise, please specify Any enterprise active in the aquaculture sector
3.1.15 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 3.1 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

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
3.1.34 Name of Organisation responsible

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
3.1.35 Contact information (email and phone)
3.1.36 Main administrative scope

Licencing grantor and management
3.1.37 Geospatial Coverage National
3.1.38 Update frequency Less frequent
3.1.39 Legal basis

Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997.
3.1.40 Are you able to access directly to the micro data? Yes
3.1.41 Are you able to check the plausibility of the data, namely by contacting directly the units? Yes
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? Very good
3.1.43 Please list the main differences between the administrative source and the statistical definitions and concepts

The production unit is possibly more precise a concept than either facility or enterprise. It refers to a specific aquaculture activity of a business, upon a given stock of a species, in a specific bay or inland location. An extreme example is that a business growing mussels both by suspension and on the seabed within a bay is said to have two production units in that bay; one of each culture type. This is unlikely to occur in practice as most bays are unlikely to contain conditions suitable for both types of culture.
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

Additional sources: Datasets of other agencies, namely two other agencies, Marine Institute (MI) and Sea-Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA)


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

BIM regional aquaculture officers
3.1.48 Primary purpose

To cover non responses. Experts will generally be able to give an estimate of operational data: inputs, output, employment number, number of growing structures and capacity taken up by these, and standing stock. They will have qualitative data on the health of businesses, being in close contact with them through their work.
3.1.49 Legal basis
3.1.50 Update frequency Annual
3.1.51 Expert data supplier Other
3.1.52 If Other, please specify

BIM regional aquaculture officers
3.1.53 How would you assess the quality of those data? Very good
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

Annual production and employment survey of Irish Aquaculture
3.3.2 Methods of data collection Electronic questionnaire
Telephone interview
3.3.3 If Other, please specify
3.3.4 If face-to-face or telephone interview, which method is used? Electronic 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)

See annex for questionnaires.
3.3.7 Additional comments

See annex for questionnaires.


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

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) website
3.3.16 Extraction date

Various
3.3.17 How easy is it to get access to the data? Direct constant access
3.3.18 Data transfer method

Manually
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

BIM regional aquaculture officers
3.3.21 Methods of data collection

Indirectly through conduct of other business. Regular presence and observations on site.
3.3.22 Additional comments


Annexes:
Census survey form used annually
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
Outliers
Consistency
Other
3.4.3 If Other, please specify

One other source is used for validation purposes; online abridged accounts when available. Oftentimes it takes too long for such source to become available for Eurostat timetable.
3.5. Data compilation
3.5.1 Describe the data compilation process

A point is reached, 3-4 months into the survey when returns per collective effort become prohibitive. The coordinator then makes a list of outstanding non returns and attempts to reduce this list, using only the help of the relevant regional officer or specialist officer where appropriate. Data at this time is processed to produce a provisional summary of employment and production volume/value per cultured species. Late returns are accommodated as far as possible.

The data is processed and summarised using an Excel environment for creation of summary tables and trends graphs. The data is summarised by; species cultured, employment breakdown, production volume and value, nationally, regionally (by county) and by Bay. Data relating to stock input, sources, market destination, husbandry techniques and farm structures and capacity can also be generated. The data in the Excel table describing the volume and value of each cultured species nationally is then used for input to the Eurostat template spreadsheets.

The proportion of the total number of listed producers who respond by providing data to the survey averages at approximately 80% or more. In 2023, data was provided for 80.2 % or 227 of the total 281 active production units. The time taken to process and summarise the accumulated data can be done in a relatively short period of days compared to the time taken to achieve the 80% or so, direct response level from producers, which takes a period of several months to achieve.

Data for non respondents is imputed using one of the following in order of preference: Estimate of the local regional officer or specialist expert, Trend and unit value of the nearest compliant neighbours can be applied to average output and unit value of the non compliant. Historical averages of the non compliant can be applied for the year of missing data. Capacity licenced by DAFM coupled with input data supplied by necessity to other agencies can be used in normal production years to estimate likely output.
3.5.2 Additional comments
3.6. Adjustment

Adjustments are made to account for production units that are found to have ceased trading without notification or for late returnees as far as possible. Eurostat data will be somewhat more accurate than the in-house report or the FAO data due to the longer period available for data collection and adjustment.


4. Quality management Top
4.1. Quality assurance
4.1.1 Is there a quality management system used in the organisation? Yes
4.1.2 If yes, how is it implemented?

Built in Time series summary tables and Graphics are used to detect anomalies in data trends. Manual Checking is also carried out of incoming completed forms for entry errors. Form filler contacted for clarification where necessary.

Manual and Automatic scanning of database for data entry errors. By automatic is meant the running of routine queries for results outside the expected norms, such as tonnage production at odds with known carrying capacities of sites from licence specifications and historical production levels.

Consultation with Regional officers where survey results are compared with their expectations of local production in their area.

Data is cross checked with related data from other agencies for variances outside the expected. For example seed mussel reported fished for aquaculture input by the SFPA is checked against seed input data obtained from the BIM census survey.
4.1.3 Has a peer review been carried out? Yes
4.1.4 If Yes, which were the main conclusions?

A common pool of raw data is gathered to supply the requirements of Eurostat and EUMAP. The EUMAP management system includes an annual appraisal of data collection and estimation techniques within a technical report that is managed by the Joint Research Centre or JRC (EU) and The Marine Institute (IRL). BIM census data for the main segments of Irish aquaculture is considered to be of high quality, obtaining 80% or more in population response. The 5 types of data sources when combined, assist in making accurate assessments of non returns; sister agency data sets, DAFM sourced capacity data, expert observations, neighbouring production unit trends and historical averages.


That the dataset for Reg 762/199 is more complete than that for 199/2008 due to the effect of data collection for freshwater aquaculture being voluntary in the case of Reg 199/2008.
4.1.5 What quality improvements are foreseen? Other
4.1.6 If Other, please specify

Four survey forms tailored for each of the main culture types in the R.O.I. allow for the collection of data unique to a given aquaculture practice but require a lot of editing, manual transfer, normalisation and monitoring of data input. Efforts are underway to introduce interactive forms that are formatted to allow automatic importation to database, therebye eliminating input errors. The forms have been designed to reduce as far as possible, data that will be lost by this standardisation. All effort is being made also to move entirely to electronic participation in survey, eliminating handwriting error, though a substantial portion of the population remain offline currently.
4.1.7 Additional comments
4.2. Quality management - assessment

Development since the last quality report

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

There is close contact and generally good relations between the agency and the operators and between the agency and other relevant agencies. Data gaps through non responses can be made up through survey by proxy, other data that allows inference or estimation, and through consultation with in house staff and those of other agencies without breeching confidentiality rights.

The data gives a good birds eye view of annual trends. Some operators need trend monitoring at more frequent intervals though most do not want the burden of a second aquaculture production survey in one year. Market data is best obtained from trade surveys from the relevant bodies.

Compares well with data collections of other agencies, and disparities can be used to make estimate adjustments where appropriate. For example the mussel seed input data gathered by the SFPA is considered to be more accurate than that from the BIM census where a sigificant difference occurrs; the former is used in preference for data provision to all end-users when available.


5. Relevance Top
5.1. Relevance - User Needs
5.1.1 If certain user needs are not met, please specify which and why

One potential user need thus far unmet may be direct access to data via agency website dashboard, storyboard, etc. though there is no evidence yet that there is a demand for this.

A website Dashboard has been prepared for possible sharing with and testing by clients.
5.1.2 Please specify any plans to satisfy needs more completely in the future

The possibility of online data access is being investigated.
5.1.3 Additional comments

In addition to supplying an online Dashboard access, a storyboard is being tested as of 2023.
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

Informal contact with clients suggest that the satisfaction rate with the in-house survey report is improving.

There is growing interest among clients for the annual report produced by BIM on the annual census results.
5.3. Completeness
5.3.1 AQ2A - Data completeness - rate

100%
5.3.2 AQ2B - Data completeness - rate

100%
5.3.3 AQ3 - Data completeness - rate

100%
5.3.4 AQ4 - Data completeness - rate

100%
5.3.5 AQ5 - Data completeness - rate

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

Unit value of wild seed mussel is imputed. This seed is rarely bought. It is captured by in-house vessels. The value of the seed is then the product of the distance from licenced site to seed bed, costs of vessel and crew and amount of captured seed in the entire operation of capture and transfer. Costs are divided by tonnage of seed to provide a proxi unit value.


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? Non-response error
6.1.3 If Other, please specify

Data entry errors
6.1.4 Additional comments
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
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

Annual production and employment survey of Irish Aquaculture
Over-coverage 
6.3.1.2 Over-coverage - rate

Not applicable
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
Common units 
6.3.1.8 Common units - proportion

Not applicable
6.3.1.9 Additional comments

There were 281 units in 2023. The basic statistical unit used is the production unit. The production unit is the particular aquaculture practice applied by a business to an aquaculture species, within one Bay or on one inland facility. Data such as production volume and value, input volumes and costs and employment can be obtained for a production unit from completed forms.


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
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
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

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) website
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?
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
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

Annual production and employment survey of Irish Aquaculture
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?

3 surveys with the current questionnaire iteration
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?

Follow through phone calls.
6.3.2.7 Additional comments

Broadly speaking, the same format has been used for questions since the year 2000. There have been experiments with different interactive tools, deploying standard questionnaires with drop-downs to distinguish and facilitate different aquaculture types and using seperate questionnaires to facilitate different aquaculture types. Currently there are 4 templates of the census form each tailored to the main culture types; On-bottom, Off-bottom, Suspended and landbased. Interactive tools have been used in the past, such as ADOBE PRO and Customer Voice. In 2026 it is intended to have an interactive online system in place.


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

Annual production and employment survey of Irish Aquaculture.
6.3.3.2 Unit non-response - rate

Approximately 20% or less. 19.8% for 2023.
6.3.3.3 How do you evaluate the recorded unit non-response rate in the overall context? Low
6.3.3.4 Measures taken for minimising the unit non-response Follow-up interviews
Reminders
6.3.3.5 If Other, please specify
6.3.3.6 Item non-response rate

Approximately 20%
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


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

Annual production and employment survey of Irish Aquaculture
6.3.4.2 Imputation - rate

20% in 2023
6.3.4.3 Imputation - basis Similar units
6.3.4.4 If Other, please specify
6.3.4.5 Additional comments

Unit value of wild sourced mussel seed is imputed from the cost of catching and relaying a tonne on average (see section 5.3.7).


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

Estimates are revised if/when errors are discovered within the raw data gathered or when new raw data arrives regardless of how long after the closing date of the survey the data belongs to.
6.6. Data revision - practice
6.6.1 Data revision - average size

The question and offered definition/guidelines are not understood. Data revision, as a result of newly arrived data or from observed data anomalies, occur throughout the year as and when required.
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?

As a result of new data sent in from clients or colleagues who know clients. Also as a result of anomalies in data trends observed during  routine queries that suggested either a significant change in trends or an error in the raw data itself.

Data is checked regularly between different tasks but not to a specific timetable.
6.6.4 How do you evaluate the impact of the revisions? Important
6.6.5 Additional comments


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

March 2024 (national publication)
7.1.2 When were the final results for the reference period published?

October 2024 (national publication)
7.1.3 Reasons for possible long production times?

Currently there is difficulty getting data for the processing part of 'The Business Of Seafood' publication data which is now the first publication of the year containing aquaculture data, the upgraded version of which is also used for Eurostat templates. Difficulties have also been experienced getting the annual Aquaculture report published in a timely manner. The editing phase is slow. Specifically the publisher and report provider take a long time to understand each other as publishers are frequently changed by the agency. This is the case as of December 2024.
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?

The editing process involves a number of agents, perhaps too many.
7.2.4 Number of days between the release date of data and the target date

See above.


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

Production and employment data of Irish aquaculture has been gathered from the 1980s. From the year 2000, a questionnaire broadly similar in format to the current was used. Data gathered for Eurostat has occurred from the year 2008 and all publications from that date are still regarded as valid.
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

The survey in terms of questionnaire format and data gathering time have changed slightly over the years. The Census questionnaire is a 3 page document, covering the needs of all clients, including Eurostat. There are variation in questions asked or wording used to accomodate the appropriate metrics required for quantifying different aquaculture types. Tools used have increased from phone and post to email, interactive form return, mobile text and indirect online survey. The 80% return rate has gradually been achieved more quickly over the years with growing acceptance of the survey from clients. Methodology remains by census, with estimations of non-respondent data as before; using estimates of local officers, unit values of the nearest compliant neighbours, historical data averages, Farm size capability and the datasets of fellow agencies. Generally speaking, producers do not change their figures after submitting completed surveys. A few continue to return after deadlines and in such cases, estimates made on their behalf make way for their input.

Strong trend changes at segment level are found for 2023 for the Bottom mussel  segment which is in steep decline due to lack of wild seed mussel stock available to feed production. Salmon and other finfish are showing less prominent declines. In the case of Salmon, this is of concern from an economically sustainable point of view. Seaweed is a new segment that continues to show significant  growth in 2023. Long term sustainability of this trend is hard to call at this point.
8.3. Coherence - cross domain
8.3.1 With which other national data sources have the data been compared?

The data as gathered by BIM is the primary source of national aquaculture data. Specific variable data compares well with that of other agencies or Producer Organisation surveys such as for oyster seed input data also gathered by the Marine Institute and wild seed harvested for aquaculture input by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. Also some volume and value data from abridged accounts can be used eventually to compare with questionnaire generated data.
8.3.2 Describe briefly the results of comparisons

Generally the comparison is very good, with variation caused by time difference in data collection. A producer may apply to import a quantity of seed but actually end up stocking in a different quantity due to wastage, mortalities in transit, etc. The best quality data is considered to be from the collection point closest to the generation of data. In the case of oyster seed for example, the census questionnaire is preferred. For wild seed tonnage harvested for aquaculture input, the SFPA figures are preferred as the data is collected from the relaying vessel rather than from a more distant observation point.
8.3.3 Additional comments
8.4. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics

Not applicable.
8.5. Coherence - National Accounts

Data from questionnaires are validated by data from national accounts. A 33% sample of all accounts are sampled and used for comparison. National accounts indicate to some extent if the data provided directly is in agreement with the accountants estimation of business output. It is most useful to compare accounts made for calendar years as the survey covers this period also.
8.6. Coherence - internal

The data supplied to the templates are extracted from the same pool of raw data. If a catch-all template were provided, there would be no contradiction with the data as currently provided.


9. Accessibility and clarity Top
9.1. Dissemination format - News release
9.1.1 Do you publish a news release? Yes
9.1.2 If Yes, please provide a link

Dissemination format: Professional pdf format, online and in hard copy brochure or map form.
9.2. Dissemination format - Publications
9.2.1. Do you produce a paper publication? Yes
9.2.2 If Yes, is there an English version? Yes
9.2.3 Do you produce an electronic publication? Yes
9.2.4 If Yes, is there an English version? Yes
9.2.5 Please provide a link

BIM website aquaculture.
9.3. Dissemination format - online database
9.3.1 Data tables - consultations

Not available. Dashboards are in development.
9.3.2 Is an on-line database accessible to users? No
9.3.3 Please provide a link

Online as pdf brochure or emailed as excel  table or graph or as a powerpoint presentation.

Databases are not publically accessible. Dashboards are currently in development.
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

Data is disseminated nationally through the online annual Aquaculture survey report and the 'Business of Seafood' report (https://bim.ie/publications/aquaculture/). Data is also disseminated to Eurostat, OECD, FAO and to the JRC on behalf of the DCF/DCMAP (EC Reg. 199/2008).
9.6. Documentation on methodology
9.6.1 Are national reference metadata files available? Yes
9.6.2 Please provide a link

Eurostat metadata EN.
9.6.3 Are methodological papers available? Yes
9.6.4 Please provide a link

Methodology information available in metadata file.

Refer also to old Eurostat MSWord templates AQ6 for descriptions of methodology.
9.6.5 Is a handbook available? Yes
9.6.6 Please provide a link

 fish_aq_esms_an_2.pdf
9.7. Quality management - documentation
9.7.1 Metadata completeness - rate

Close to 100 %
9.7.2 Metadata - consultations

Eurostat makes contact if any queries arise.
9.7.3 Is a quality report available? Yes
9.7.4 Please provide a link

Eurostat Metadata EN -fish_aq_esqrsa2_ie.


10. Cost and Burden Top
10.1 Efficiency gains over the last 3 years Further automation
Increased use of administrative data
10.2 If Other, please specify
10.3 Burden reduction measures since the previous quality report More user-friendly questionnaires
Easier data transmission
Multiple use of the collected data
10.4 If Other, please specify


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

Policy is to hold all data gathered in a secure database and to disseminate data in aggregate form at a level that does not expose sensitive commercial data of any business.
11.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
11.2.1 Describe the procedures for ensuring confidentiality during dissemination

Data is stored on the agencies internal Drives and aggregated data is released only to approved colleagues, agencies and EU institutions to comply with Regs 199 and 762/2008.
11.2.2 Additional comments


12. Comment Top

Lough Foyle area is disputed territory between R.O.I. and the U.K. Administered by The Loughs Agency, a cross-border agency. A significant production of Farmed oysters and seabed cultured oysters, as well as some Seabed cultured mussels occurrs in the lough and the data coming from there is entirely dependant on goodwill towards this state. It is difficult to assess the accuracy of data from this lough though it is more likely to be an under-estimation and in any case there is the question of who owns the data, depending on the dispute outcome.

This metadata file needs to be shaken down to a more concise format to facilitate information transfer in a more coherent and timely manner.


Related metadata Top


Annexes Top
Landbased category
Bottom culture category
Suspended culture category
Trestled Oyster category