How much oyster is there out there? Inaccurate data may be the largest economic risk facing aquaculture producers

A challenge for anyone interested in aquaculture production in general and the U.S. oyster market in particular is the multitude of available datasets providing very different descriptions of the quantity and value of oysters produced. For instance, NOAA data indicate that U.S. oyster production has declined from almost 300,000 MT (live weight) in 2000 to 150,000 MT in 2023, whereas FAO data indicate relatively stable production around 200,000 MT over the same period. We compare publicly available oyster landings and value of landings data reported by regional agencies, NOAA, USDA Census of Aquaculture, and the FAO to shed light on differences and complementarities. FAO landings for the Atlantic Coast, which FAO classifies as all capture (wild), are consistently higher than those reported by NOAA. FAO's values of landings for the Gulf Coast were lower than those reported by NOAA until 2010, but higher thereafter, exceeding 50% since 2019. This shift coincides with a shift in FAO's classification of Gulf Coast landings from a combination of capture and aquaculture to all aquaculture. Pacific Coast values of landings are mostly consistent except in Census years, when FAO appears to follow the Census instead of NOAA. We also analyze prices and find consistency, despite the aforementioned differences. We observe some apparent landings adjustments, some suggesting discrepancies driven by weight conversion assumptions, and others suggesting efforts to adjust for production methods. These findings present a challenge for risk management and investment analysis, and are likely to be relevant far beyond the U.S. • We compare oyster landings data reported by regional agencies, NOAA, USDA, and FAO. • NOAA data indicate production has declined but FAO indicates it has been stable. • FAO landings for the Atlantic Coast are consistently higher than those of NOAA. • Recent FAO landings values for the Gulf Coast are higher than NOAA since 2010. • Prices are consistent despite differences in landings and landings values.