Fines and imprisonment for 16 illegal foreign fishers
Sixteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
One matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 21 May 2025, near the Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory.
Authorities seized 600 kg of sea cucumber (with a market value up to $60,000), 330 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and a range of fishing equipment.
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.
Eight fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was sentenced to a two-month term of imprisonment, to be released after 21 days on a $2,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of two years. The remaining seven crew were each sentenced to a six-week term of imprisonment, to be released after 21 days on a $2,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of two years.
A second matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 14 May 2025, near Scott Reef.
Authorities seized 150 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and fishing equipment including spears and diving apparatus.
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.
Eight fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master of the vessel was fined $5,000 and the remaining crew were each fined $2,500.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.
Illegal foreign fishing is damaging to Australia’s environment and well-managed marine resources and can cause other risks, including to biosecurity.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal foreign fishing operators. Australian authorities also utilise additional actions 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:
“Illegal foreign fishers choosing to fish illegally in Australia are taking considerable risks. They will lose their catch, fishing gear, vessel and could even go to jail.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
"The outcomes for illegal fishers are clear – they will lose their vessels, they will face heavy fines and be detained. The exploitation of our natural resources will not be tolerated.”
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