The failure of a fish farm "fortress pen" that saw 20,000 kingfish escape into the Port Stephens' marine park has led to calls for an independent review of the controversial project.

Concern has been raised about self-regulation of the trial research project that is a joint venture between the NSW government and Tasmanian-based Huon Aquaculture.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said it was not appropriate for the fish-farm operators to police themselves.

"There should be independent oversight of the whole trial and an independent investigation into the recent failure," Ms Washington said. "With the Department of Primary Industries and Huon both heavily invested in this project, it's hard to know where the truth lies."