Waikato fish-dump trawler tracked down

Ministry of Fisheries officers have identified the trawler that dumped hundreds of fish off Waikato's west coast this month.

Patrick Lynch, heading the ministry's investigation into the incident off Raglan, said officers had interviewed the skipper and two crew members from the independent inshore trawler in Nelson.

The skipper said his boat was responsible and the fish were in the water on November 6 because of a tear in the trawler's net, which was repaired as soon as it was noticed.

"We are now investigating this claim," Mr Lynch said in a statement.

Fisheries staff will also investigate the catch from the trawler's week-long trip and a local expert will examine its fishing gear.

Catch records for the period will be examined, Mr Lynch said.