Illegal foreign fishing vessel captain jailed, crew fined $20,000
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Nine Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Friday, 13 June 2025.
The matters arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 14 May 2025, near Ashmore Reef.
Authorities seized 65 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and a range of fishing gear including diving 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.
Ten fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was sentenced to concurrent six-month terms of imprisonment on each of two charges, to be released after three months on a $10,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of five months.
One crew member was identified as being subject to an outstanding warrant for previous similar offending and taken into custody. On the current matter, the case against him was adjourned until 27 June 2025. The remaining eight crew were each fined $2,500.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.
There have been 237 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.
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:
“These court outcomes demonstrate the seriousness of this offending and reflect how devastating illegal foreign fishing can be to Australia’s delicate marine environment.”
“Illegal foreign fishing will not be tolerated and those responsible stand to lose their catch, fishing gear, vessel and potentially face jail time.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“Officers from the ABF and AFMA are working tirelessly to protect our vast coastline and ensure those who seek to profit from illegal fishing are detected and detained.
“We will continue until the message is heard by illegal foreign fishers – you will be caught, you will lose your catch, your equipment and likely your vessel.
“I'd like to thank the hardworking officers of the ABF, as well as members of the public who report to Border Watch, for your ongoing efforts to protect Australia's sovereign waters."
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