Illegal fishers apprehended and sentenced in Darwin
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), in partnership with multi-agency Maritime Border Command (MBC), continues to target illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters to protect our precious marine resources.
On 23 August 2023, an Indonesian fishing vessel was intercepted and apprehended by Australian patrol assets fishing illegally in waters off the Northern Territory. The vessel was originally detected by Garngi Indigenous Rangers based at Croker Island who informed Australian Border Force near McCluer Island within Australia’s territorial sea. A subsequent AFMA investigation, including forensic analysis of electronic devices located on board, showed the vessel arrived in the area on 18 August 2023. This was contrary to claims by the vessel’s master suggesting the vessel had drifted into Australian waters after experiencing engine problems.
The four fishers on board were conveyed to Darwin and charged with ‘Using Foreign Boat for Fishing in Territorial Sea within the Australian Fishing Zone’ contrary to the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). In addition, the master was also charged with ‘Having Foreign Boat Equipped for Fishing in Territorial Sea with the Australian Fishing Zone’. They each appeared at Darwin Local Court on 6 September 2023 and pleaded guilty to the charges.
The three crew members were each convicted and fined $2,000 each. The master was convicted and fined $2,500 for each count, a total of $11,000.
Mr Wez Norris, AFMA’s Chief Executive Officer, noted that “Australia’s well-managed fisheries are a target for illegal fishers, and such activity undermines the sustainability of Australia’s marine stocks for future generations”.
“While these direct enforcement actions are important, we also continue to work closely with Indonesia to address the issue at its source through the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns and face-to-face visits with Indonesian fishers in key ports,” Mr Norris said.
Commander MBC, Rear Admiral Justin Jones stated that this result sends a clear signal to those seeking to exploit Australia’s sovereign resources.
“Australia has no tolerance for illegal fishing, and these prosecutions by AFMA demonstrate our strong stance against it,” RADM Jones said.
Maritime Border Command is a multi-agency task force utilising Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force assets.
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.