Illegal catch and fishing gear seized in collaborative effort by AFMA, Police, Rangers and the Milingimbi community
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) continues to collaborate with the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPOL) and indigenous rangers to detect and deter illegal fishers from entering Australia’s remote coastline.
Following reports from local community members of sightings of suspected illegal fishing vessels around Milingimbi in the Northern Territory, a contingent of officers from AFMA, NTPOL and the Crocodile Islands Rangers (CI Rangers) was mobilised.
In separate incidents on Wednesday 23 October 2024, two Indonesian fishing vessels were detected hiding within the dense mangroves at Mardanaingura Island and Rabuma Island. A total of 18 illegal fishers were identified onboard the vessels.
An investigation by AFMA Fisheries Officers established that the crews had been fishing illegally in Australian waters. More than 400 kilograms of sea cucumber was seized. Additionally, assorted fishing equipment including nets, salt (for processing sea cucumber), reef boots, goggles, and a mobile phone (with many Australian fishing grounds identified in the GPS) were also seized. The vessels were removed from the areas and directed to leave the Australian Fishing Zone. Removing expensive equipment and denying illegal incursions of any income provides a strong deterrence against future ventures.
Mr Wez Norris, AFMA Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge and support from local communities to inform and address the Australian Government’s response to illegal fishing in Australia’s northern waters.
“We welcome ongoing support from communities to inform us of any suspected illegal fishing along Australia’s remote northern coastlines to minimise the impact of illegal fishing and other maritime and biosecurity risks. We take these reports seriously, and we want to thank the community members of Milingimbi for reporting this illegal activity”.
“This joint operation undertaken by AFMA with support from NTPOL and CI Rangers demonstrates the strong commitment by multiple government agencies to detect and deter illegal foreign fishing. AFMA is grateful for their support in committing resources to these operations.”
“It complements the fantastic work by Maritime Border Command and reinforces the Australian Government’s commitment to strong and swift action to combat illegal fishing in Australian waters”, said Mr Norris.
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
For more information:
Media: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860
www.afma.gov.au
