Enhancing FAO aquaculture data accuracy: A data validation approach using Egypt, a key producer, as a case study

Abstract

The FAO plays a unique role in collecting, validating, and reporting global aquaculture production statistics, which are essential for tracking trends in the sector. Nonetheless, the reliance of these statistics on data provided by member countries—which continues to raise questions about their reliability—has prompted the FAO to welcome research collaboration to overcome this challenge. In response, this study examines Egypt—a key producer—as a case study and provides a comprehensive comparative assessment of the aquaculture statistics reported by the FAO against survey-based field data, employing a data validation approach that incorporates input–output analysis. The findings reveal significant discrepancies, underscoring the importance of robust data validation. Official aquaculture production figures were overstated by 61 %, with inflated estimates for earthen pond facilities (44 % in freshwater/brackish water farms and 51 % in marine farms) and fish cages (628 %). The primary species affected by these discrepancies were tilapia (36 %), mullets (82 %), carps (569 %), and marine species (177 %). Furthermore, fry were not registered in official data for 97 % of tilapia, 96 % of mullets, and 89 % of marine species, respectively. Additionally, no official data were available on employment—estimated at 203 thousand workers—or on aquafeed, which was estimated at 1.1 million tonnes. These gaps highlight critical weaknesses in both FAO’s validation mechanisms and national statistical systems, thereby undermining the reliability of related policies. Expanding the implementation of this comparative data validation approach would enhance the accuracy of FAO statistics, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and ultimately support the sustainable growth of global aquaculture.