Fishing group LegaSea says crayfish stocks along parts of the North Island's east coast are nearly gone, and the Ministry for Primary Industries is largely to blame.

LegaSea has surveyed more than 800 people who dive or use cray pots between the East Cape and Pakiri, north of Auckland.

Spokesman Scott Macindoe told Mike Hosking the results are telling.

"80 percent are saying it's decimated or close to being decimated.

"For those of us who have been out there in the gulf this summer looking for crayfish, there's no question. There are no crayfish."

Macindoe said corporate interests have too much influence over the ministry, which is letting stocks become depleted.

LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT MACINDOE SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING