Fishing vessel loses 750kg catch

The fish, mostly snapper, were lost from a trawl net as it was being brought on board. Photo / iStock

An investigation has been launched after a commercial fishing skipper reported losing a 750kg catch off the west coast of Coromandel this morning.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said the skipper alerted the ministry of the loss about 8.45am.

The skipper said the fish, which was mostly snapper, had been lost from a trawl net as it was being brought on board.

MPI Manukau district compliance manager Jacob Hore said a ministry vessel was already patrolling in another part of the Hauraki Gulf and was redirected to meet up with the commercial vessel, arriving at the scene west of Colville around 10.30am.

"MPI was again able to make use of the new inshore vessel monitoring system, implemented jointly be industry and MPI, to confirm the location of the vessel and target our resources efficiently," Mr Hore said.

The patrol vessel was able to document extent of the loss of fish as well as interview the skipper and crew at the time.

"It is commendable that the skipper proactively reported the incident to MPI, which allowed us to respond quickly. We follow up all reports of accidental loss of fish by commercial fishers and we will be investigating this incident."