Final answer:
Industrial and artisanal marine fisheries significantly contribute to the global economy, with an annual catch well above the official statistics due to unreported activities. They are essential for the diet of many regions, providing a substantial amount of animal protein. Official catch statistics often overlook the extensive local contributions of these fisheries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The marine fisheries, both industrial and artisanal, play a significant role in the global economy and food supply. These sectors contribute to a combined annual catch of 120-140 million tons, with a value of around US$100 billion, surpassing the officially reported landings of 80-90 million tons. This discrepancy is largely due to unaccounted factors such as illegal, unreported, and undocumented (IUU) catches.
These fisheries operate millions of vessels, with a considerable portion of their revenue going towards fuel costs. In 2004, the reported catches from marine and inland capture fisheries were 85.8 million and 9.2 million tons respectively. Despite a recent decline in freshwater catches, regions like the Mekong, Zaire, and Amazon rivers still contribute significantly to local diets. Additionally, fish accounts for more than 50% of the animal protein consumption in various countries, underlining its importance in global nutrition.
In terms of environmental impact and sustainability, the seafood industry's consumption patterns are influenced by shifts in marine fishery years, which can affect the demand for protein from both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife populations. It's important to note that 'official' statistics often underreport the true scale of these fisheries, particularly the invaluable contribution of subsistence fisheries to local communities.