Six foreign fishers found guilty of illegal fishing in Australian waters
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Six Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to fishing illegally in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. The charges follow the location and apprehension of an Indonesian fishing vessel on 21 August 2026 by Australian authorities as part of Operation Broadstaff.
The vessel was reported by local community members after being sighted near Little Adolphus Island in the Torres Strait, Queensland. ABF responded and found the vessel taking on water. Six crew were located on board along with fishing equipment and approximately 700kg of salt, commonly used to preserve sea cucumber.
The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. All six crew members were charged and subsequently pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
For the current matter, the Court imposed two-year good behaviour bonds for all six crew members, including the Master.
Three crew were identified as having been before the court previously for similar offending. Two of these accused were found to have breached existing good behaviour bonds and were re-sentenced to one-month terms of imprisonment, suspended immediately. The other was subject to an outstanding warrant for an unpaid fine, and he is now serving 16-day period imprisonment for that matter.
In sentencing, the Judge noted the significant biosecurity risks posed by illegal foreign fishing activity and emphasised the importance of protecting Australia's marine resources and environment. Whilst no catch was found on board the vessel, the Court emphasised that penalties remained necessary to reflect the seriousness of unlawful fishing activity in Australian waters and to deter future offending.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, undertakes targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect the sustainability of Australia’s fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work closely with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source. This includes delivery of public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, 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
“Anyone fishing illegally in Australian waters can expect to be caught. Penalties include the seizure of catch, equipment and fishing vessels as well as prosecution and potential imprisonment. AFMA works closely with Maritime Border Command to protect Australia's maritime interests and preserve our fisheries and marine resources for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Natasha O’Farrell:
“Illegal foreign fishers should be under no illusion about the consequences of entering Australian waters. The ABF have the capability to detect and stop illegal fishing activity through a layered approach including aerial surveillance, patrol vessels, land patrols and intelligence operations. Those responsible can expect to face enforcement action under Australian law.”
“Supported by our strong and coordinated partnership with AFMA, ABF officers continue to take proactive and decisive action to disrupt illegal fishing operations and protect Australia’s maritime borders.
Local communities continue to play a critical role as the eyes and ears of the region and the information they provide is an important part of protecting the Torres Strait.”
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