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Fish that wash up on north Auckland beaches are not safe to eat, Fisheries New Zealand has warned.

People are being urged to avoid collecting or eating dead snapper that may float ashore after a commercial fishing vessel’s catch spilled into the water off Moturekareka Island, in Kawau Bay, to the north of Auckland, when it sank on Tuesday night.

“The vessel sunk in approximately 8 metres of water and had a large quantity of fish onboard, predominantly snapper,” said Fisheries NZ acting deputy director-general Steve Ham.

The trawler with the fishermen still aboard, minutes before the vessel was completely submerged. Photo / Facebook

“We expect that these fish may be seen floating in the area and could potentially wash up at some north Auckland beaches in the coming days.”

Members of the public are warned against handling or eating any dead fish.

“We ask people who see dead fish in the area not to collect them as they may be unsafe to eat,” Ham said.

Fisheries NZ will be keeping an eye on developments.

“Fishery officers are monitoring the situation and will be visible in the area over the coming days, and if anyone has concerns about dead fish, call us on 0800 008 333,” Ham said.

Moana fisheries branded containers have been scattered across the beach. Photo / Summer Holmes

Fisheries NZ is also working with the vessel’s skipper over the incident and the reporting requirements for the lost catch.

The trawler was returning home when its skipper reported the vessel taking on water. The fishermen turned the vessel towards the nearest land to investigate but the boat sank before they could do any more.

Kawau Volunteer Coastguard crew was alerted at 8.49pm yesterday and launched within 35 minutes, thanks to a quick response from volunteers.

Upon arrival, the team found only a small portion of the trawler’s bow visible above the water, with debris scattered across the area.

The fishing trawler departing the Waitemata Harbour in February last year. Photo / J O’Sullivan

The two fishermen aboard had already made it to safety on a yacht anchored nearby.

A witness to the aftermath, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were several fish bins, plastic boards, and lots of buffers surrounding the spot where the vessel sank.

Other debris included fishing nets, LPG gas bottles, commercial grade cleaning chemicals, and clothes. Photo / Summer Holmes

They said there was a strong diesel stench in the area.

Kawau Coastguard skipper Paul Steinkamp thanked the volunteers for their effort.

The reason for the trawler sinking is not yet known.