Sixty jobs are likely to go from Sealord's Nelson factory.

After a 12 month review, Sealord has informed staff that the Kirimi Line crumbed fish bites operation is no longer commercially viable because of offshore competition.

The E tū Union is now calling on the Government to regulate the outsourcing of our raw fish product.

Food sector Industry Coordinator Chas Muir said the problem is that some quota holders are instead sending raw product to be processed in China.

"That quota should be harvested by New Zealand workers, and subject to value added processes in New Zealand, by New Zealand workers at land or on the sea. That's our position."

“Some workers have been there for several years, and it’s through no fault of their own that hoki processing is this line is no longer viable for Sealord in New Zealand.”