Conditions and changing capacity.At the global level, inland fisheries landings have been increasing since 1984. Most of this increase has occurred in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In North America, Europe, and the former Soviet Union, landings have declined, while in Australia and Oceania they have remained stable. The increase in landings has been maintained in many regions by stocking and by introducing nonnative fish. The greatest threat for the long-term sustainability of inland fisheries is the loss of fish habitat and the degradation of the aquatic environment.

Data quality. Data on inland fisheries landings are poor, especially in developing countries. Much of the catch is not reported at the species level, and much of the fish consumed locally is never reported. No data are systematically collected on the contribution to inland fisheries of fish stocking, fish introduction programs, and other enhancement programs. Historical trends in fisheries statistics are only available for a few well-studied rivers.