The search for three men missing in the Southern Ocean has been called off, with rescuers saying their chance of survival is 'nil'.

Three bodies have been found and three crew are still missing after a NZ chartered trawler sank in the Southern Ocean with 51 crew on board.

An impoverished small town has reached a world-leading business deal that could bring in millions of dollars.

New Zealand will boost the monitoring of Pacific fisheries to help an industry that loses more than $400 million a year because of poor enforcement.

New Zealand will open its doors to 200 education scholarships for Pacific people, as well as commit $4.8 million towards the policing of Pacific fisheries, Prime Minister John Key announcement today.

When fishermen gather around a bottle or a bar they invariably start telling stories that are sworn to be based on the honest truth.

Use common sense when releasing fish and they will more likely survive.

Amendments to aquaculture legislation may allow the fisheries minister to override regional coastal plans in 'exceptional circumstances'.

Nearly 30 South Island commercial fish dealers are being investigated for alleged illegal trading.

Researchers say a decline in Ross Sea orcas may be partly due to NZ's deep-sea fishing.