17 Foreign Fishers Prosecuted for Illegal Fishing in Australian Waters
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Seventeen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters following the apprehension of two foreign fishing vessels by Australian authorities attached to Maritime Border Command (MBC).
The first vessel was intercepted inside the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Box, north of Scott Reef in the Australian Territorial Sea, off Western Australia on 29 September 2026. The MoU Box permits fishing by traditional style Indonesian vessels adhering to traditional fishing practices. Authorities located 13 crew members on board a motorised vessel, along with approximately 100 kilograms of reef fish, 60 kilograms of sea cucumber, various non-traditional fishing and diving equipment, as well as 1,000 kilograms of salt (used to preserve catch). Offences for illegally fishing in the Australian Territorial Sea carry a maximum penalty of 2-years imprisonment.
The second vessel was intercepted 12nm within the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) northeast of Cartier Island, in Western Australian waters on 06 October 2026. Four crew members were located on board, together with 20 kilograms of shark fin, three kilograms of reef fish, 30 kilograms of salt, and various fishing equipment.
Both vessels were seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law. The detained crew were transported to Darwin, where the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) conducted further investigation into the matters.
All 17 crew members were charged with offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) and pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court on 27 October 2026. They were released on undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of two years.
There have been 50 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2026.
AFMA and the Australian Border Force remind foreign fishers that illegal fishing in Australian waters is a serious crime. Those who engage in unlawful fishing activities may face prosecution and other significant penalties, including fines, forfeiture of catch and equipment, and the destruction of their fishing vessels.
Quote attributable to AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst.
"AFMA and the Australian Border Force share a strong commitment to protecting Australia's marine resources and maritime borders. These prosecutions are the result of coordinated surveillance, enforcement and investigative efforts, from detection at sea through to court outcomes. We will continue working with our partners to deter illegal foreign fishing and ensure Australia's fisheries remain sustainable for future generations."
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Nicole Papathanasiou.
"The successful apprehension of these vessels reflects the professionalism and coordination of the maritime surveillance and response assets operating under Maritime Border Command.
“We will continue working in partnership with AFMA to uphold Australia's fisheries laws and ensure those who seek to exploit our marine resources are held accountable, while disrupting illegal foreign fishing activity that threatens Australia's maritime borders.”
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
