Eleven foreign fishers found guilty, including shark finning crew
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Eleven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
The first matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 19 July 2025 near Ashmore Island.
ABF seized 40 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and various fishing equipment including a 300-metre longline. Six crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was fined a total of $6,000. One crew member, identified as a recidivist, was fined $2,000. The remaining four crew were each fined $1,500.
The second matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 23 July 2025 near Adele Island, Western Australia.
ABF seized 66 shark fins, 120 kg of salt and various fishing equipment. Five crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
One crew member was taken into custody to serve a period of imprisonment following execution of an outstanding warrant for previous similar offending. He was fined an additional $10,000 on the current matter.
The master of the vessel was fined a total of $9,000. A third crew member was identified as a recidivist and fined $3,000. The remaining two crew were each fined $1,500.
All fines are payable within 28 days, with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
The presence of illegal foreign fishing continues to undermine Australia’s sustainable fisheries management and border security.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations.
Australian authorities work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source, through 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:
“Illegal foreign fishing poses a significant threat to Australia’s well-managed fisheries and our marine environment.”
“AFMA and our partner agencies remain absolutely committed to detecting, apprehending and prosecuting those who fish illegally in Australian waters.”
“Those who choose to fish illegally in Australian waters face serious legal penalties, including potential jail time. They also risk losing their vessel and fishing gear. It is not worth the risk.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“For people considering fishing illegally in Australia, our message is clear. We will find you, take your catch, destroy your boats and fishing equipment, and you will be prosecuted. Do not put your livelihood at risk by coming to Australia to fish illegally.”
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
