Seven Indonesian nationals sentenced for illegal fishing
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Seven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to fishing illegally in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Thursday 19 March 2026.
The matter arose from an incident on 3 March 2026, when Australian authorities, under Operation Broadstaff, responded to information received from a community member regarding a suspected foreign fishing vessel sighted near Escape River, Cape York. ABF located and intercepted an Indonesian vessel concealed within the mangroves of a nearby creek system, seizing approximately 1,950kg of sea cucumber and a variety of fishing equipment.
The vessel was apprehended and the crew detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
The crew members pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The Master, who had been detected in Australian waters on a previous occasion, was sentenced to two months imprisonment, backdated to the day of apprehension on 7 March 2026. Another crew member, also detected in Australian waters on a previous occasion, was released on an $8,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 4 years. Two crew with prior findings of guilt for similar offences were released on $5,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 5 years. The final three crew members were released on $3,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for 3 years.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia following completion of any relevant period of imprisonment.
There have been 153 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to conduct targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect Australia’s fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source. This is delivered through 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 will not be tolerated. Our message is clear, you will be caught and face significant penalties under Australian law.”
“Any foreign national caught fishing unlawfully in Australian waters will be subject to serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, vessel and potential imprisonment.”
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Brooke Dewar
“The ABF continues to disrupt illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters. Our officers detected this vessel concealed in the mangroves and took decisive action to protect Australia’s maritime resources and sovereign borders.”
“These outcomes demonstrate the ongoing effectiveness of ABF’s maritime operations. When foreign vessels enter Australian waters illegally, they will be detected and our officers will take action to disrupt their activity and protect Australia’s maritime domain.”
“Illegal fishing threatens Australia’s marine environment and the livelihoods of legitimate fishers. We work closely with AFMA and our regional partners to identify and disrupt this activity at sea and at its source.”
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
