Final answer:
The global catch amount of fisheries has shown a decline or stagnation due to overfishing following expansions in industrial fishing. Some regions differ, like Europe or China, due to factors such as freshwater fishing and aquaculture. Overexploitation of marine stocks has led to the necessity for sustainable fishing practices regulated by governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The catch amount of global fisheries has undergone significant changes over time. After the Second World War, there was an expansion in offshore fishing, geographic reach, and types of species caught due to depletion of inshore stocks and high demand for fish.
However, these changes led to an enormous growth in fishing effort, particularly by industrial fleets that are now recognized to be much larger than what is sustainable. Consequently, recent data suggests there is either a stagnation or slow decline in the global catch amounts as marine fisheries face overexploitation.
Some countries differ from the general global pattern. Notably, regions with significant freshwater resources like some parts of Europe or areas with abundant aquaculture such as China might show different trends.
The exceptions are often a result of alternative practices such as freshwater fishing or aquaculture, though these practices can also lead to environmental concerns such as pollution and habitat destruction.
Global surveys indicate that up to 35% of marine fisheries are overfished, pushing many towards collapse. This unsustainable fishing has prompted the regulation by governments to ensure fish stocks' longevity and sustainability, balancing economic interests with environmental conservation and future food security.