Illegal foreign fishers get more than they bargained for in Darwin Court
This is a joint media release between the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Sixteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court on 17 and 18 December 2024.
The first case arose from an incident on 3 December 2024, when Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally in the Kimberley Marine Park, Western Australia.
Authorities seized fishing equipment, and the vessel was subsequently destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. Nine 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 sentenced to a 3-month term of imprisonment. Another crew member with prior findings of guilt for similar offending was also sentenced to a 3-month term of imprisonment. On top of this, he was fined an additional $2,500 for breaching a good behaviour undertaking imposed in January 2024.
The remaining crew were released on $2,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 2 years.
The second case arose from an incident on 9 December 2024, when Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Oxley Island, Northern Territory.
Authorities seized fishing equipment, and the vessel was subsequently destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian 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 received an aggregate fine of $5,000. The remaining crew were released on $2,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years.
The 16 fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
There have been 99 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.
AFMA, in partnership with Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force including ABF and the 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 are working around the clock to identify those who continue fishing illegally in Australian waters. As these court outcomes demonstrate, illegal fishing is not worth the risk.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“Australian Border Force remains steadfast in protecting Australia’s marine resources and enforcing our sovereign laws. Illegal fishing undermines sustainable practices, depletes our precious fish stocks, and disregards international and domestic regulations.
“Our message is clear: we have zero tolerance for illegal activity in Australian waters. Through coordinated operations and advanced surveillance, we will ensure offenders are identified, intercepted, and held accountable. Those who engage in this activity risk losing everything – from their catch and equipment to their vessels and liberty.”
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