Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, refers to the farming of aquatic (freshwater or saltwater) organisms, such as fish, molluscs, crustaceans and plants, for human use or consumption, under controlled conditions. Aquaculture implies some form of intervention in the natural rearing process to enhance production, including regular stocking, feeding and protection from predators. Farming also implies individual or corporate ownership of, or contractual rights to, the stock being cultivated.

European data on the quantity of aquaculture production, in tonnes life weight (TLW), have been recorded since 1950 [fish_aq_q]. Since 1984, data on the total value of the production in Thousand Euro are also available [fish_aq_v]. With the entry into force of the new Regulation (EC) No 762/2008 on the submission of aquaculture statistics aquaculture production data are collected and disseminated annually in 5 tables:

Aquaculture production at first sale for human consumption (excluding hatcheries and nurseries) by species, by FAO major area, by cultivation method, by aquatic environment in TLW (tonnes live weight), in Euro and Euro/TLW (fish_aq2a:). Production of fish eggs (roe) at first sale for human consumption by species, by FAO major area, by aquatic environment in TLW, Euro and Euro/TLW (fish_aq2b). Input to capture-based aquaculture, i.e. wild seed, by species in TLW, Euro and Euro/TLW (fish_aq3). Production of fertilised eggs at first sale for further on-growing or release to the wild by species in Millions (fish_aq4a). Production of juveniles at first sale for further on-growing or release to the wild by species in Millions (fish_aq4b) According to Regulation (EC) No 762/2008, aquaculture production means the output from aquaculture at first sale intended for human consumption. Non-commercial aquaculture is thus not accounted for. Moreover, aquaculture production of aquarium and ornamental species is excluded as well as production for industrial, functional or research purposes.

Every three years, these data are complemented by data on the structure of the aquaculture sector by species group, FAO major area, production method, aquatic environment in hectares, 1000 cubic metres or metres (fish_aq5).

Data are submitted by all Member States of the European Economic Area (EU Member States and EFTA countries) by the 31st of December for the preceding year. They are compiled by the respective competent authorities of the Member States, usually either the National Statistical Institute or the Ministry of Agriculture. EEA Member States do also provide three annual data on the structure of the aquaculture sector and annual methodological reports of the national systems for aquaculture statistics with details on the respective national data collection and data quality.