Sea cucumber seizure: Illegal fishers guilty, vessel destroyed
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Two Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on 4 February 2025.
The case arose from an incident on 11 January 2025 when Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Money Shoal, northeast of Darwin.
Authorities seized in excess of 700 kg of sea cucumber which has an estimated value of more than $70,000. Also seized was a variety of fishing equipment and 250kg of salt, which is used to process and preserve catch.
The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law. The crew was detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
Two crew members pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) in the Darwin Court.
One crew member was released on a $3,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months. The second crew member was subject to an outstanding warrant arising from previous similar offending in 2017 and was fined $3,000. That fine is payable within 28 days with a term of imprisonment to be imposed in the event of default.
Both fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
There have been 112 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 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 are totally committed to catching and prosecuting illegal foreign fishers. Those who come to fish illegally in Australian waters risk having their catch and equipment seized and their vessel destroyed.”
Quotes attributable to ABF Operation LUNAR Commander, Tracie Griffin:
“This illegal activity threatens Australia's borders, and ABF will remain vigilant to detect and intercept these vessels through ongoing surveillance, patrolling and response capabilities.”
“I encourage those in the community who may have information about suspicious activity to report it to Border Watch online.”
“This illegal activity will not be tolerated in our waters. We will intercept you, you will lose your catch, your equipment and possibly even your vessel.”
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