ISSCAAP: The Global Standard for Fisheries Classification (2026)
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Understanding ISSCAAP: The Global Standard for Aquatic Species
The International Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants (ISSCAAP) is a specialized system developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It is designed to categorize commercial aquatic species into logical groups based on their biological characteristics and taxonomic relationships. By providing a uniform language for fisheries data, ISSCAAP allows scientists and policymakers to track global fishing trends and biodiversity with high precision.
ISSCAAP (International Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants) is a hierarchical system used to classify aquatic species into 9 divisions and 50 groups based on biological affinities. Managed by the FAO, it standardizes global fisheries data to ensure consistency in reporting catches, aquaculture production, and trade statistics across different countries and regions.
Why ISSCAAP Matters
Without a standardized system, global fisheries would be a chaotic mix of local names and overlapping categories. ISSCAAP solves this by organizing species into a structure that is both scientifically sound and commercially practical.
Data Consistency: Ensures that a "tuna" caught in the Pacific is recorded using the same parameters as one caught in the Atlantic.
Policy Making: Helps organizations like the FAO monitor overfishing and suggest sustainable quotas based on specific species groups.
Economic Analysis: Allows economists to track the market value and trade flow of specific categories, such as "Crustaceans" or "Diadromous fishes."
Operational Framework: ISSCAAP Management and Access
The International Standard Statistical Classification of Aquatic Animals and Plants (ISSCAAP) is not just a list of fish; it is a live administrative tool managed by global intergovernmental bodies. To use it effectively for research or policy, one must understand the organizations that govern its codes and the digital platforms where the raw data is hosted.
ISSCAAP Institutional and Operational Profile
The following table summarizes the administrative structure, key dates, and access points for the ISSCAAP system.
| Data Category | Information Details |
| Custodian Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. |
| Key Governing Body | Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP)—the group that ensures international standards are harmonized. |
| Sub-Organizations / Partners | Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFMOs) like ICCAT (Tuna), GFCM (Mediterranean), and SEAFDEC (Southeast Asia). |
| Primary Database | ASFIS (Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System)—the master list linking species to ISSCAAP codes. |
| Year Adopted | Originally 1969; the current modern structure was adopted in 2000. |
| Update Frequency | The ASFIS species list (containing ISSCAAP codes) is updated annually (latest: 2025 release). |
| Standard Languages | English, French, and Spanish (Official); Common names provided in Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. |
| How to Access | Via the FAO Fisheries Division website or through FishStatJ (software for time-series datasets). |
| Related Classifications | ISSCFG (Fishing Gear), ISSCFV (Fishing Vessels), and ISSCFC (Fishery Commodities). |
Key Components for Data Users
1. The Coordinating Working Party (CWP)
The CWP is the "brain" of the operation. It consists of representatives from various international organizations who meet to decide how to handle new species or changing taxonomic classifications. This ensures that if the scientific name of a crab changes, the ISSCAAP code remains consistent so historical catch data isn't lost.
2. Digital Access via FishStatJ
For most users, the easiest way to "access" ISSCAAP is by downloading the FishStatJ software. This tool allows you to filter global production data by "ISSCAAP Group." You can download the raw datasets in .csv or .xlsx formats directly from the FAO’s Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) portal.
3. Interoperability with Other Data
ISSCAAP is designed to work with other UN standards. For example, it is linked to the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) and the Harmonized System (HS) codes used by customs agencies, allowing for a seamless transition from "fish in the water" to "commodity in the market."
Important Data Considerations
3-Alpha Codes: Most ISSCAAP-related databases prioritize the use of 3-alpha codes (e.g., COD for Atlantic cod) for faster data entry and retrieval.
NEI Categories: Much of the data in ISSCAAP reports is labeled as "NEI" (Not Elsewhere Identified). This occurs when a country reports a general group (like "various sharks") rather than a specific species.
The Structure of ISSCAAP
The classification is divided into 9 primary divisions, which are further broken down into 50 functional groups. Common examples include:
| Division | Group Examples | Common Species |
| Freshwater fishes | Carps, Tilapias | Silver carp, Nile tilapia |
| Diadromous fishes | Salmons, Eels | Atlantic salmon, Japanese eel |
| Marine fishes | Cods, Tunas, Sharks | Atlantic cod, Skipjack tuna |
| Crustaceans | Lobsters, Shrimps | Northern prawn, King crab |
| Molluscs | Oysters, Squids | Giant Pacific oyster, Argentine shortfin squid |
How Researchers Use ISSCAAP
Researchers typically use ISSCAAP codes in conjunction with ASFIS (Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System) species lists. While ASFIS provides the specific 3-alpha code for an individual species (like SKJ for Skipjack tuna), ISSCAAP provides the broader context (Group 36: Tunas, bonitos, billfishes) necessary for high-level ecological reporting.
The Structure of ISSCAAP: Division 1 – Freshwater Fishes
In the ISSCAAP system, Division 1 is dedicated to Freshwater fishes. This category includes species that spend their entire life cycle in rivers, lakes, and inland wetlands. Unlike "Diadromous fishes" (Division 2), which migrate between salt and fresh water, these species are biologically adapted strictly to freshwater environments.
Classification of Freshwater Groups
The FAO further divides this division into specific "groups" based on taxonomic families. This allows for precise tracking of aquaculture production—where freshwater species like Carps and Tilapias dominate global yields.
| ISSCAAP Group Code | Group Name | Primary Biological Families | Notable Species Examples |
| 11 | Carps, barbels and other cyprinids | Cyprinidae | Silver carp, Common carp, Roho labeo |
| 12 | Tilapias and other cichlids | Cichlidae | Nile tilapia, Blue tilapia, Mozambique tilapia |
| 13 | Miscellaneous freshwater fishes | Siluridae, Esocidae, Percidae | African catfish, European perch, Northern pike |
Key Characteristics of Division 1
Aquaculture Dominance: This division represents the largest volume of global aquaculture, particularly Group 11 (Carps).
Geographic Variety: While found globally, the data reporting for these groups is most intensive in Asia and Africa, where inland fisheries are vital for food security.
Taxonomic Focus: Unlike marine groups which are often categorized by habitat (e.g., Pelagic vs. Demersal), freshwater fishes are grouped primarily by their evolutionary lineage.
The Structure of ISSCAAP: Division 2 – Diadromous Fishes
In the ISSCAAP classification, Division 2 is reserved for Diadromous fishes. These are unique species that migrate between freshwater and saltwater environments at specific points in their life cycle. Because these fish cross geographical and ecological boundaries, tracking them via ISSCAAP is critical for international conservation and the management of migratory corridors.
Classification of Diadromous Groups
Division 2 is categorized into groups that reflect distinct evolutionary paths. This includes Anadromous fish (which live in the sea but breed in fresh water, like Salmon) and Catadromous fish (which live in fresh water but breed in the sea, like Eels).
| ISSCAAP Group Code | Group Name | Biological Families | Notable Species Examples |
| 21 | Sturgeons, paddlefishes | Acipenseridae | Beluga sturgeon, American paddlefish |
| 22 | River eels | Anguillidae | European eel, Japanese eel, American eel |
| 23 | Salmons, trouts, smelts | Salmonidae, Osmeridae | Atlantic salmon, Sockeye salmon, Rainbow trout |
| 24 | Shads | Clupeidae (partial) | American shad, Hilsa shad |
| 25 | Miscellaneous diadromous fishes | Galaxiidae, Petromyzontidae | Sea lamprey, Barramundi, Milkfish |
Biological Significance of Division 2
The data collected under these codes is vital because diadromous species are often highly sensitive to environmental changes:
Connectivity Monitoring: Because these fish require access to both rivers and oceans, ISSCAAP data helps identify where dams or pollution are disrupting migration.
Economic Value: This division contains some of the world's highest-value fisheries, particularly Group 23 (Salmons), which is a cornerstone of both wild-capture and aquaculture industries.
Specialized Management: Unlike "Marine fishes," the management of Diadromous species often requires treaties between inland countries (where they spawn) and coastal nations (where they are often caught).
The Structure of ISSCAAP: Divisions 3, 4, and 9 – Marine Fishes
In the ISSCAAP system, Marine Fishes represent the most expansive and complex category. Unlike freshwater or diadromous divisions, marine species are categorized primarily by their habitat and depth in the ocean column (pelagic vs. demersal) rather than just taxonomic lineage. This helps fisheries managers differentiate between species living near the seafloor and those roaming the open ocean.
Classification of Marine Groups
Marine fishes are spread across three major ISSCAAP divisions: Division 3 (Coastal and bottom-dwelling), Division 4 (Open ocean and surface-dwelling), and Division 9 (Unclassified/Other).
| Division | Group Code | Group Name | Notable Species Examples |
| 3: Demersal Fishes | 31 | Flounders, halibuts, soles | Atlantic halibut, Common sole |
| 32 | Cods, hakes, haddocks | Atlantic cod, Alaska pollock | |
| 33 | Miscellaneous demersal fishes | Red snapper, Groupers, Croakers | |
| 4: Pelagic Fishes | 34 | Jacks, mullets, sauries | Atlantic horse mackerel, Flathead mullet |
| 35 | Herrings, sardines, anchovies | Atlantic herring, Peruvian anchoveta | |
| 36 | Tunas, bonitos, billfishes | Skipjack tuna, Atlantic bluefin tuna | |
| 37 | Mackerels, snoeks, cutlassfishes | Atlantic mackerel, Largehead hairtail | |
| 9: Miscellaneous | 38 | Sharks, rays, chimaeras | Blue shark, Cuckoo ray |
| 39 | Marine fishes not identified | General "unspecified" marine catch |
Key Distinctions in Marine Classification
Understanding the split between these groups is essential for tracking the health of the world's oceans:
Demersal (Bottom-dwelling): Found in Groups 31–33. These species live on or near the sea floor. They are often caught using trawls and are highly susceptible to overfishing due to slow growth rates.
Pelagic (Open water): Found in Groups 34–37. These species inhabit the water column away from the bottom. This includes "small pelagics" (like anchovies) that form the base of the food chain and "large pelagics" (like tuna) that migrate thousands of miles.
Elasmobranchs: Group 38 separates sharks and rays from "bony fish" because their cartilaginous skeletons and unique reproductive cycles require different conservation strategies.
The Structure of ISSCAAP: Division 4 – Crustaceans
In the ISSCAAP system, Division 4 (specifically groups 41–47) is dedicated to Crustaceans. This division covers a diverse range of aquatic invertebrates characterized by their hard exoskeletons and jointed limbs. Because crustaceans are among the most valuable commodities in international trade—particularly shrimp and crab—this classification is vital for monitoring market trends and the environmental impact of both wild trawling and intensive aquaculture.
Classification of Crustacean Groups
The ISSCAAP framework organizes crustaceans based on their physical form and habitat, which often dictates the type of fishing gear used to harvest them (such as traps, pots, or bottom trawls).
| ISSCAAP Group Code | Group Name | Biological Examples | Notable Species Examples |
| 41 | Freshwater crustaceans | Crayfish, Freshwater prawns | Giant river prawn, Red swamp crayfish |
| 42 | Crabs, sea-spiders | Brachyura | King crab, Blue swimming crab, Snow crab |
| 43 | Lobsters, spiny-rock lobsters | Palinuridae, Nephropidae | American lobster, Caribbean spiny lobster |
| 44 | King crabs, squat-lobsters | Anomura | Southern king crab, Squat lobster |
| 45 | Shrimps, prawns | Penaeidae, Caridea | Whiteleg shrimp, Giant tiger prawn |
| 46 | Krill, planktonic crustaceans | Euphausiacea | Antarctic krill |
| 47 | Miscellaneous marine crustaceans | Barnacles, Stomatopods | Mantis shrimp, Goose barnacle |
Key Commercial Insights
Group 45 (Shrimps & Prawns): This is the heavyweight of the division. It includes species like the Whiteleg shrimp, which is the most widely farmed crustacean globally.
Group 46 (Krill): Unlike other groups harvested for direct human consumption, krill is primarily harvested for fishmeal and nutrient-rich oils, playing a massive role in the global feed industry.
Management Needs: Many species in this division, such as lobsters and crabs, are managed through size-limit regulations and "berried" (egg-bearing) female protections, making accurate group-level reporting essential for sustainability.
The Structure of ISSCAAP: Division 5 – Molluscs
In the ISSCAAP system, Division 5 is dedicated to Molluscs. This diverse division includes over 100,000 recognized species, though only a fraction are commercially harvested. Molluscs are grouped based on their biological structure—specifically whether they have a single shell, two shells, or no external shell at all (like octopuses).
Classification of Mollusc Groups
The classification of molluscs is particularly important for both food safety monitoring (especially for filter-feeders like mussels) and tracking high-value international trade in "cephalopods" (squids and octopuses).
| ISSCAAP Group Code | Group Name | Biological Class | Notable Species Examples |
| 51 | Freshwater molluscs | Bivalvia / Gastropoda | Apple snails, Freshwater mussels |
| 52 | Abalones, winkles, conchs | Gastropoda | Periwinkles, Queen conch, Abalone |
| 53 | Oysters | Bivalvia | Pacific cupped oyster, European flat oyster |
| 54 | Mussels | Bivalvia | Blue mussel, Chilean mussel, Green mussel |
| 55 | Scallops, pectens | Bivalvia | Giant scallop, Peruvian calico scallop |
| 56 | Clams, cockles, arkshells | Bivalvia | Japanese carpet shell, Blood cockle |
| 57 | Squids, cuttlefishes, octopuses | Cephalopoda | Jumbo flying squid, Common octopus |
| 58 | Miscellaneous marine molluscs | Various | Limpets, Sea hares |
Key Industry and Ecological Observations
Bivalve Farming (Groups 53–56): These groups represent a massive portion of global aquaculture. Unlike fish, many of these species are "extractive," meaning they clean the water by filtering nutrients, making their ISSCAAP tracking relevant to environmental health reports.
Cephalopods (Group 57): This group is unique because of its high mobility and "boom-or-bust" population cycles. Squids and octopuses are vital predators and prey in marine ecosystems, and their harvest data is closely watched to predict changes in ocean temperatures.
Gastropods (Group 52): These are often high-value, niche products. Because many (like Abalone) are slow-moving and slow-growing, they are highly susceptible to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Global Applications: Key ISSCAAP Projects and Initiatives
While ISSCAAP is a classification system, it serves as the foundational architecture for numerous international data projects. These initiatives use the ISSCAAP groupings to transform raw catch data into actionable insights for global food security, economic forecasting, and environmental protection.
Major Projects Utilizing ISSCAAP
The following table outlines the primary frameworks and databases that rely on the ISSCAAP structure to organize global aquatic information.
| Project / Initiative | Primary Use Case | How it Uses ISSCAAP |
| FAO FishStatJ | Global Statistics | The primary software used by the FAO to disseminate long-term data on aquaculture and wild capture by ISSCAAP group. |
| CWP (Coordinating Working Party) | Data Standardization | A project among intergovernmental organizations to synchronize ISSCAAP codes across different regional bodies. |
| ASFIS List | Taxonomy Linking | Links specific scientific names to the broader ISSCAAP functional groups to ensure precise biological reporting. |
| SOFIA Report | Policy Reporting | The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) uses ISSCAAP to summarize global trends for the UN. |
| FIRMS | Resource Monitoring | The Fishery Resources Monitoring System uses these groups to report on the status of specific fish stocks (e.g., "Overfished" vs. "Sustainable"). |
Implementation in the Field
1. The FIGIS Project (Fisheries Global Information System)
FIGIS is a massive web-based platform that integrates various subsystems. It uses ISSCAAP to allow users to filter search results by "Division" (e.g., Molluscs) or "Group" (e.g., Squids). This project is essential for researchers who need to compare the productivity of different species groups across various ocean basins.
2. Regional Fisheries Management (RFMOs)
Many regional projects, such as those managed by ICCAT (Atlantic Tunas) or IOTC (Indian Ocean Tunas), align their internal data collection with ISSCAAP Group 36. This alignment ensures that regional catch limits can be accurately integrated into the global "Marine Fishes" database without data loss or translation errors.
3. Traceability and Trade Projects
In international commerce, ISSCAAP codes are often used in projects aimed at reducing IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. By categorizing products under standard groups, customs agencies can more easily identify discrepancies in trade volumes for high-risk categories like Sharks (Group 38).
The Goal of ISSCAAP Integration
The ultimate goal of these projects is interoperability. By ensuring that a scientist in Japan, a policy maker in Kenya, and a fish processor in Norway all use the same ISSCAAP groupings, the global community can manage aquatic resources as a single, connected ecosystem.
Analyzing the Data: Key ISSCAAP Reports and Statistical Outputs
ISSCAAP is the "engine" behind the world’s most influential fisheries and aquaculture reports. By using a standardized classification, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) can aggregate data from hundreds of countries into cohesive reports that track everything from global food security to the health of marine ecosystems.
Primary Statistical Reports and Outputs
The following table summarizes the key reports that utilize ISSCAAP groupings to present global fisheries and aquaculture data.
| Report / Output Name | Frequency | Primary Focus | Use of ISSCAAP |
| SOFIA Report | Every 2 years | Global status and trends | Uses ISSCAAP divisions to report on "Blue Transformation" progress and production volumes. |
| FAO Yearbook of Fishery Statistics | Annual | Hard data tables | Provides comprehensive capture and aquaculture production organized by ISSCAAP group codes. |
| FishStatJ Datasets | Continuous | Digital time-series | Allows users to filter global production (1950–present) specifically by ISSCAAP divisions and groups. |
| ASFIS List | Annual Update | Taxonomic reference | Assigns every species a permanent ISSCAAP code to ensure reporting consistency across all other reports. |
| Regional Bulletins (e.g., SEAFDEC) | Varies | Regional specifics | Harmonizes local data with international ISSCAAP standards for regional comparison (e.g., Southeast Asia). |
In-Depth: The "Flagship" Reports
1. The SOFIA Report (State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture)
As the FAO's flagship publication, SOFIA uses ISSCAAP to paint a high-level picture of the industry. For example, recent SOFIA reports highlighted that for the first time, Aquaculture (dominated by ISSCAAP Group 11: Carps) has surpassed Capture Fisheries in total production. By using ISSCAAP, the report can specifically identify which sectors are growing (like freshwater fish) and which are plateauing (like certain marine pelagic groups).
2. The FAO Yearbook of Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics
If SOFIA is the "story," the Yearbook is the "ledger." It contains hundreds of pages of tables. A typical table might show "World Capture Production by ISSCAAP Division," allowing a researcher to see at a glance that Marine Fishes (Divisions 3, 4, and 9) still represent the bulk of wild-caught biomass compared to Molluscs or Crustaceans.
3. FishStatJ (Digital Reporting)
For data scientists and economists, ISSCAAP is most useful through FishStatJ. This software allows users to generate custom reports. You can ask the system: "Show me the total value of Group 36 (Tunas) in the Indian Ocean over the last 10 years." Because the reporting follows ISSCAAP, the software can instantly pull from different national databases to create a single, unified report.
Why Standardized Reporting Matters
Without ISSCAAP-based reports, global data would be incompatible. One country might report "Shellfish" as a single category, while another might separate "Oysters" from "Clams." ISSCAAP forces all reporting entities to use the same 50 groups, ensuring that when the FAO says global shrimp production is rising, it is based on a consistent, worldwide definition of "Group 45."
ISSCAAP: Frequently Asked Questions & Glossary
As a global standard, ISSCAAP often brings up technical questions regarding how data is reported and interpreted. Below are the most common inquiries and a glossary to help you navigate the specialized language of fisheries statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who actually decides which species goes into which ISSCAAP group?
A: The system is managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, specifically through the Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP). They update the list annually based on new scientific discoveries and changes in commercial fishing patterns.
Q: Why do some reports use "ISSCAAP Codes" while others use "3-Alpha Codes"?
A: They serve different purposes. The ISSCAAP Code (e.g., 36) identifies a broad functional group (Tunas, bonitos, billfishes). The 3-Alpha Code (e.g., SKJ) identifies a specific species (Skipjack tuna). Think of the ISSCAAP code as the "department" and the 3-alpha code as the "unique product ID."
Q: Are sea mammals like whales and dolphins included in ISSCAAP?
A: Yes. Even though they aren't "fish," they are part of the aquatic ecosystem. They fall under Division 6 (Whales, seals, and other aquatic mammals).
Q: What happens if a fisherman catches a species that isn't on the list?
A: It is usually reported under a "Miscellaneous" or "not identified" category within the relevant division (e.g., Group 39 for Marine fishes). If the species becomes commercially significant, the FAO will eventually assign it a unique code in the next ASFIS update.
Glossary of Terms
To understand ISSCAAP reports, you need to be familiar with these specific terms used by the FAO and marine scientists.
| Term | Definition |
| 3-Alpha Code | A unique three-letter code (e.g., ATL for Atlantic cod) used for rapid data entry and international exchange. |
| Anadromous | Species that live in the sea but migrate to freshwater to spawn (e.g., Salmon). Found in ISSCAAP Division 2. |
| ASFIS | The Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System. It is the master database that links ISSCAAP codes to scientific names. |
| Bivalve | A mollusc with a shell consisting of two hinged parts (e.g., Clams, Oysters). Found in ISSCAAP Division 5. |
| Catadromous | Species that live in freshwater but migrate to the sea to spawn (e.g., River eels). |
| Demersal | Fish that live on or near the bottom of the sea or a lake (e.g., Flounder). |
| Nominal Catch | The live-weight equivalent of the landings. ISSCAAP reports always use nominal catch to account for the whole animal. |
| NEI | Stands for "Not Elsewhere Identified." This is used when data is reported for a group of species rather than a single specific species. |
| Pelagic | Fish that live in the open ocean, away from the shore and the bottom (e.g., Tuna, Sardines). |
| Taxonomic Code | A 10-digit numerical code that identifies the exact biological lineage (Family, Genus, Species) of an organism. |
Visualizing the Hierarchy
The ISSCAAP system acts as a bridge between broad ecological categories and specific biological species.
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