Would The Oceans Refill With Fish If Fishermen Had To Throw Back ALL of The Female Fish ?

Question

Or if all Fish of a spieces bigger than a certain size had to be thrown back ?

Answer 1

It wouldn't make much difference at all, for two simple reasons, firstly they need the male fish too and secondly by the time these fish have been in the nets for hours they are dead when thrown back, a total ban on fishing in some coastal areas si the only way to replenish the fish stocks.

Answer 2

I don't think ordinary fishermen with rod and reel  have much effect on the population of fish in the ocean.   Also, tell me how to identify female ocean fish.    Pollution, huge boats dragging nets, dead zones in the ocean, ocean warming, etc.  are the main problems with fish populations.    

Answer 3

releasing all female fish would do nothing to help since they need male fish to fertilize the eggs. The second idea might work in theory if it weren't for the fact that the large fish have more commercial value.