Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Tracking global fisheries production statistics compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is crucial for identifying global industry trends.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Assertion A: According to the FAO "State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture" (SOFIA 2020) report, the total global fish production in 2018 reached approximately \(178.5\text{ mmt}\) (rounded to \(179\text{ mmt}\)).
Hence, Assertion A is correct.
- Reason R: Out of this total \(179\text{ mmt}\), capture fisheries accounted for \(96.4\text{ mmt}\), and total global aquaculture production (excluding aquatic plants) was \(82.1\text{ mmt}\).
The value of \(52\text{ mmt}\) is incorrect.
Hence, Reason R is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Assertion A is correct but Reason R is not correct, which corresponds to option (C).