The CWP Standard for Reference Harmonization defines a set of data structures which facilitates the collection and dissemination of comprehensive and harmonized statistics on capture fisheries and aquaculture. These data structures span a diverse range of data domains (e.g. economic, biological, resource management, compliance) across all levels of the data value chain (e.g. from logbook data to global capture production statistics). The data structures use statistical concepts and associated classification systems based on international standards and classifications including those published in the CWP Handbook. Each data structure contains one or more data modules which bring together related statistical concepts. This modular approach provides flexibility and may be used by implementing agencies and organizations to integrate the minimum requirements of the data structures with additional modules and concepts which may be needed to accommodate local implementation and/or specific national or regional requirements.

The statistical concepts in the data structures contain elements which have been designated by CWP as mandatory, recommended or optional. Recommended and optional elements may be removed from a data structure to suit the specific requirements of a CWP party or an organization. However, removal of these elements requires careful consideration as some concepts are interrelated (e.g. observed quantity and unit of measurement). Implementation guidelines facilitate the adoption of the Standard and use of data structures by organizations. These guidelines are a living document which is being developed based on progress achieved by CWP Members in implementing the CWP Standard for Reference Harmonization.

The following data structures, listed top-down along the data value chain, are currently available for use in capture fishery statistics:

Capture production: this data structure covers the production of capture fisheries. The amount of catch and value of production are compiled according to dimensions represented by the concepts flag entity, fishing area, aquatic species and time unit.

Catch: this data structure covers the catch concepts and quantifies the amount of removal of aquatic organisms from wild populations. This structure may be used for management purposes and includes the level of coverage of the data collection.

Catch and effort: this data structure covers the statistical data used for assessment and management purposes. This structure includes separate catch and effort modules and a fishing capacity module to associate fishing gear and its fishing mode.

Logbook: this data structure covers the collection of data in the field or at-sea which are used generally in supporting the activities and management of capture fisheries.

FAO. 2019a. Report of the twenty-sixth session of the Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics. Rome, Italy, 15–18 May 2019. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1293. Rome, FAO. 51 pp. (also available at www.fao.org/3/ca6684en/ca6684en.pdf).

FAO. 2019b. FAO technical workshop on global harmonization of Tuna fisheries statistics. Rome, 19-22 March 2018. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1239. Rome, FAO. 55 pp. (also available at www.fao.org/3/CA3132EN/ca3132en.pdf).

FAO. 2022. Report of the twenty-seventh session of the Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics. Rome, Italy, 20-24 June 2022. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1397. Rome, FAO. 51 pp. (also available at https://www.fao.org/3/cc3232en/cc3232en.pdf).