Nineteen Indonesian sea cucumber poachers fined $74,500
Nineteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
The matters arose from incidents where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended:
- an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 22 June 2025 in the Cobourg Marine Park, Northern Territory
- two Indonesian vessels fishing illegally on 25 June 2025 near Maningrida, Northern Territory.
The crews were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. ABF seized the vessels, and they were destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Authorities seized a total of 130 kg of sea cucumber, 390 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, navigational aids and various fishing equipment.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The masters of the three vessels were each fined $6,000 and fifteen crew members were each fined $3,500. One crew member with a previous finding of guilt for similar offending was fined $4,000. 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.
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:
“AFMA and Maritime Border Command are absolutely committed to detecting, apprehending and prosecuting those who come to Australia and fish illegally.
“They will lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious legal penalties. It’s not worth the risk."
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
“For people considering fishing illegally in Australia, these outcomes show that it’s just not worth it. 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.
“The Australian Border Force will continue to tackle this important issue alongside our partner agencies and the Northern Territory community.”
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