Illegal foreign fishers denied huge payday–vessel destroyed, catch and equipment seized
This is a joint media release between the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Nine (9) Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday 15 October 2024.
On Thursday 19 September 2024, Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally in the vicinity of Augustus Island, Western Australia. The crew were targeting highly prized sea cucumber, commonly sold in Asian markets.
Authorities seized 350 kilograms of sea cucumber worth up to approximately $30,000 AUD (or more than 300 million Indonesian Rupiah) along with 175 kilograms of salt (used for preserving catch) and a large quantity of fishing equipment. The crew were transported to Darwin for further investigation and the vessel destroyed at-sea in accordance with Australian law.
All nine fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master of the vessel was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three weeks to be served concurrently. Two other fishers with prior findings of guilt for similar matters were also sentenced to three-week terms of imprisonment. The court recognised time held in detention in these matters. The remaining crew were released on undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months.
All nine fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
AFMA, in partnership with Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force including Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force, continues to target illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters to protect our precious marine resources.
Australian authorities are also using other measures to combat illegal fishing at its source, including the delivery of public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
Quotes attributable to AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst:
“AFMA and our partner agencies remain absolutely committed to detecting and apprehending illegal fishers. Those caught fishing illegally in Australian waters risk prosecution and imprisonment as well as seizure and destruction of their vessel.”
“These court outcomes reinforce that illegal fishing in Australian waters will not be tolerated.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“The combined and relentless efforts of MBC and AFMA in combatting illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters continues to produce solid results, and these recent convictions are yet another illustration of this.”
“Our message to illegal foreign fishers is simple: Australia does not tolerate illegal activity in our waters. We will intercept you, you will lose your catch, your equipment and possibly even your vessel, and you may also be held to account in Australian courts.”
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
www.afma.gov.au
