Nine illegal foreign fishers found guilty, repeat offender jailed
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 in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
The first matter arose from an incident on 1 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally several hundred kilometres off Bathurst Island, Northern Territory.
ABF seized 50 shark fins, 65 kg of other catch, a GPS navigation device and various fishing equipment including a longline with 14 sharks hooked, of which 12 were released alive. Six crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and 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 received a $5,000 fine and a recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years. The remaining five crew received $2,000 fines and 2-year recognisance orders.
The second matter also arose from an incident on 1 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Croker Island, Northern Territory.
ABF seized 500 kg of salt, used to process and preserve catch, and various fishing equipment. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Three fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel received a $5,000 fine and a recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of 4 years.
One crew member was identified as having prior findings of guilt for similar offending. He was sentenced to a 3-month term of imprisonment, backdated to the time of apprehension, to be released after one month. He also received a $5,000 fine and a 4-year recognisance order.
The remaining fisher received a $3,000 fine and a 2-year recognisance order.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
The presence of illegal foreign fishing continues to undermine Australia’s sustainable fisheries management and border security. AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations.
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 foreign fishing continues to threaten Australia’s fisheries and coastal environment.”
“AFMA and our partner agencies will detect, apprehend and prosecute those who fish illegally in Australian waters.”
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“For people considering fishing illegally in Australia, our message is clear. We will find you, take your catch, destroy your boats and fishing equipment, and you will be prosecuted. Do not put your livelihood at risk by coming to Australia to fish illegally.”
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