The Ministry for Primary Industries is appealing for information about a potential fish-abandonment incident at Waikawau Bay on the Thames Coast.

Waikawau Bay locals reported dead fish washed up near the boat ramp which were discovered at about 6am on Tuesday, September 29.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is investigating how some 100 fish washed up near the Waikawau Bay boat ramp last Tuesday. Photo: Google Images

Upon their arrival fishery officers found about 100 whole fish including parore, kahawai and snapper, which all measured between 200mm and 300mm in length.

District compliance manager Brendon Mikkelsen says the ministry suspects the fish either washed up or were abandoned shortly before 6am.

'Whitianga based fishery officers have been talking to commercial fishers in the area as part of the investigation and are appealing to the public for any information they might have.

Brendon adds that all avenues will be investigated, including analysis of the sample of fish.

'The specimens will tell their own story, they will be analysed for net marks and any other potential causes.”

If you have any information about fish being dumped near Waikawau Bay contact the Ministry for Primary Industries hotline 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls confidential.