Four illegal foreign fishers jailed for re-offending
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Four Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 14 January 2026.
The matter arose from an incident on 27 December 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Rowley Shoals.
ABF seized 40 kg of sea cucumber, 160kg of salt used to preserve catch and fishing equipment including a 1000-metre longline. The crew was detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Four fishers pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). All were identified as repeat offenders.
The master of the vessel had breached an order to be of good behaviour, imposed in May 2025 for previous similar offending, and was re-sentenced to a one-month period of imprisonment. On the current matter, he was sentenced to an additional five-month period of imprisonment, to be served concurrently.
The remaining three crew members were each sentenced to a four-month period of imprisonment.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia after serving the applicable periods of imprisonment.
There have been 127 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, undertakes targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect the sustainability of Australia’s fisheries resources and border security.
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:
“Illegally fishing in Australia is not worth the risk. Foreign fishers found in Australian waters face serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, their vessel and potential imprisonment.”
“AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute illegal foreign fishers.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commander, Maritime Border Command, Linda Cappello:
“This interception occurred in the middle of the Christmas period, and it reinforces an important point – while many people are enjoying a well-earned break, the Australian Border Force remains on watch. There is no holiday from enforcement for illegal foreign fishers. Our ABF officers will continue to protect Australia’s maritime borders and marine resources every day of the year.”
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