NIWA has been called in to investigate increasing evidence of Snapper suffering from milky white flesh syndrome in the Hauraki Gulf.
A report from Biosecurity New Zealand, obtained by Newshub, says some of the fish are showing signs of suffering from prolonged starvation.
Sediment run off and trawling are being suggested as the most likely cause.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has contracted NIWA to investigate commercial catch samples, and recreational catch is also being monitored.
NIWA fisheries scientist Dr Darren Parsons spoke to Craig McCulloch.
