The survey on aquaculture production is conducted annually in the form of a mandatory census. In the frame of this survey, the quantity of fish for human consumption, eggs and juvenile fish sold as well as structural data of the aquaculture facilities are recorded. The selection of the enterprises (fish farms) is based on the registration in the Consumer Health Information System (due to Aquaculture Disease Regulation, Federal Law Gazette II Nr. 315/2009 – available in German language only).
The results obtained in this way serve to fulfill EU-wide reporting obligations and form an important data basis for the preparation of supply balances and further agricultural policy decisions.