Interpol has issued what is known as a 'purple notice' looking for the fishing vessel Thunder, which is supected of illegal fishing in the southern ocean.
The notice has come at New Zealand's request. It seeks information about the individuals and networks that own, operate and profit from the suspected illegal actions of the vessel.
The Ministry for Primary Industries said on Thursday that the Thunder has deliberately changed its identity a number of times to avoid sanctions including denial of fishing permits and permission to enter ports.
The vessel has also been known as Wuhan No. 4 and Kuko.
The purple notice will be circulated by Interpol to law enforcement agencies in 190 member countries.
