Sixteen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court.
The first case arose from an incident on December 3rd, when Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally in the Kimberley Marine Park, Western Australia.
“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,” said Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter.
“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.”
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, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a joint statement.
“All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act. The master of the vessel had prior findings of guilt for similar offending and was sentenced to a three-month term of imprisonment,” the statement reads.
“Another crew member with prior findings of guilt for similar offending was also sentenced to a three-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 two years.
The second case arose from an incident on December 9th, 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,” the AFMA and ABF said.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act. The master of the vessel received an aggregate fine of $5000. The remaining crew were released on $2000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of three 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 July 1st this year.
“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,” said AFMA General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Justin Bathurst.
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.
