The database shows annual figures from 1950 organized by:

1. some 180 countries
2. three aquatic environments (freshwater, brackish water and marine)
3. approximately 500 species/items (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic animals and plants) contained in the FAO International Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants (ISSCAAP)

Aquaculture production statistics for crocodiles and alligators (in numbers) and for pearl culture (in kilograms) at present are not included. These data are included in the database of the Yearbook of Fishery Statistics-Capture production, combined with capture fisheries.

Data periodicity: data are reported yearly and the period used is the calendar year (1 January - 31 December). Some countries or areas use split-year or fiscal year in their reporting; in this case data are shown in the corresponding calendar year in which the split-year or fiscal year ends.