The Seafood Industry Council says iwi have a crucial role to play in a Government inquiry into overseas fishing vessels chartered to work in New Zealand waters.
The investigation will look at work conditions aboard deep-sea foreign boats.
Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley says New Zealand companies often lease overseas vessels and crews because they're cheaper.
Council chief executive Peter Bodeker says iwi are already active in trying to uphold the industry's reputation and should have a key role in the inquiry.
Iwi own half of the Sealord fishing company and a significant portion of deep sea fishing quota.