Illegal fishers reel in $84,000 in fines
This is a joint media release between the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Sixteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing within Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 26 November 2024. The vessels were targeting sea cucumber, a highly prized delicacy commonly sold in Asian markets.
The first case arose from an incident on 10 November 2024, when Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Heywood Shoal, Western Australia. Authorities seized a quantity of fishing equipment, and the vessel was destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian biosecurity law. Seven crew on board were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master of the vessel had prior findings of guilt for similar offending and was fined $10,000. The remaining crew were fined $4,000 each.
The second case arose from an incident on 17 November 2024, when Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended another Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Oxley Island, Northern Territory. Authorities seized a quantity of fishing equipment, and the vessel was also destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian biosecurity law. Nine crew on board were transported to Darwin for further investigation.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master of the vessel was released on a $10,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of five years. The remaining crew were released on $5,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of five years.
All 16 fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
There have been 83 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), in partnership with Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force including the Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force, continues to target illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters to protect our precious marine resources.
Australian authorities continue to utilise other measures to address illegal fishing at its source, including the delivery of public information campaigns in Indonesian fishing communities, the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
Quotes attributable to AFMA General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst:
“AFMA and our partner agencies remain focused on identifying and prosecuting people caught fishing illegally in Australian waters. Those who choose to embark on illegal fishing ventures risk seizure of both their catch and equipment as well as destruction of their vessel.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“The Australian Border Force remains committed to protecting our maritime borders from any security threats, including illegal foreign fishing.
“The detection, interception, and prosecution of these illegal fishers serves notice to any crews operating illegally in Australian waters: Do not attempt to ply your trade here. We will intercept you, you will lose your equipment, lose your vessel and face heavy financial penalties or even a period in prison.”
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.
For more information:
Media: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860