Ministry of Fisheries Investigating Reports of Dead Fish

8 November 2004

The Ministry of Fisheries is investigating reports of a large quantity of fish floating on the surface off the Raglan coast on Saturday 6 November.

A concerned recreational fisherman initially contacted the Ministry at about midday Saturday stating that the dead fish 'spread as far as the eye can see'. He also reported that a number of recreational fishers were helping themselves to the floating fish.

Due to large quantity of fish reported, an aircraft was then used to sweep the area and a record was made of all commercial fishing vessels in the area. During that sweep a trawler was identified working in the area.

"This is a potentially serious incident from a fisheries management perspective and from comments made to us clearly has infuriated many West Coast recreational fishers," Ministry of Fisheries officer in charge, Pat Lynch stated. "It is important that we speak to anyone who may have witnessed the trawler on that coast. We are particularly interested in speaking to people who may have picked up any of the floating fish or may have recorded the number or name of commercial fishing vessels in the area."

Anyone with information about this incident as asked to telephone 07 859 3126.