Illegal foreign fishing crew catches $40,000 in fines
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Seven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
The matters arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 6 June 2025 off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
Authorities seized 750 kg of sea cucumber 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.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was fined $10,000 and the remaining six crew members were each fined $4,000. One crew member pleaded guilty to a separate illegal fishing offence committed in March 2025 and was fined an additional $6,000.
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 at the earliest opportunity.
There have been 244 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.
Persistent illegal foreign fishing undermines Australia efforts to sustainable manage our marine resources. AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal foreign fishing operators.
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 fishing poses an unacceptable risk to Australia’s marine environment and biosecurity. We will continue to work with our partners in Maritime Border Command to identify and prosecute those who come to Australia and fish illegally.”
“These are serious offences and offenders stand to lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious fines or jail time.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“My message to illegal foreign fishers is simple: We will find you, take your catch, and destroy your boats and fishing equipment. You will likely receive a fine or custodial sentence from the Australian courts. Do not put your livelihoods at risk by coming to Australia to fish illegally.
“The Australian Border Force will continue to tackle this important issue alongside our partner agencies and the Northern Territory community – especially the Bawinanga Rangers who reported these illegal foreign fishers to authorities. We thank them for their ongoing support.”
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
