The crayfish destined for Chinese shores are now being returned to shores due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The haul of crayfish - which could apparently weigh up to 180 tonnes -  that is currently being held in pots and tanks, both at sea and on land, are being set free after orders were cancelled by Chinese distributors.

On Wednesday, Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash claimed he had agreed that fisheries officials could allow a controlled release of rick lobster back into the ocean.

"The decision will affect the live crayfish in holding pots at sea, and some held in tanks on land. It means they can be harvested again when the trade disruptions are resolved," he said.