Three illegal fishers found guilty in Darwin Court

Three Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on 1 April 2025.

The case arose from an incident on 13 March 2025, when Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Smith Point, Northern Territory.

Authorities seized 500 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, a GPS device, mobile phones with navigation applications and various fishing equipment including a 30-metre longline with hooks and sinkers.

The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. ABF seized the vessel, and it was destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.

Three fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). 

The master of the vessel had previous findings of guilt for similar offending and was identified as being released on a 12-month good behaviour undertaking in August 2024. The current charges breach that undertaking and he was re-sentenced to a one-month term of imprisonment. In addition, he was sentenced to a 3-month term of imprisonment on the latest charges. Two other crew members were released on $3,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months. 

All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.

There have been 146 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.

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