The Bay of Plenty Fishermen's Association says some of its members may go out of business due to the oil spill from a stricken ship off Tauranga and is not hopeful of getting compensation.
The Rena has been wedged on Astrolabe Reef since 5 October and an estimated 350 tonnes of toxic oil has spilled so far.
The association's president, Brian Kiddie, says it is possible that local businesses will not be able to fish at all due to contamination, combined with the navigational hazard of oil and submerged containers.
Mr Kiddie says many companies will not have the resources to fight for compensation and does not think insurance will cover the costs.
