Ten foreign fishers found guilty of illegally fishing in the Torres Strait
This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Ten Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
The matters arose from an incident on 13 April 2026 where ABF, operating under Operation Broadstaff, identified and intercepted two Indonesian fishing vessels in the vicinity of Prince of Wales Island, just 12 nautical miles from Thursday Island, which is the administrative hub of the Torres Strait.
ABF seized a variety of fishing equipment and a combined total of 300kg of sea cucumber. Both vessels were seized and the crew detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
The crew members were subsequently charged and all pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of one vessel was found to be in breach of a good behaviour bond arising from a previous illegal fishing matter. He was re-sentenced to one month imprisonment and entered a $2,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a further two years. For the current matter, he received a three-month term of imprisonment, to be suspended after serving one month upon entering a further $2,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
Two crew members were identified as having been before the court for similar offending previously, one as recently as 6 months ago. They were both sentenced to two-month terms of imprisonment, to be suspended after serving one month upon entering $2,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
The seven remaining crew were released on $2,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
There have been 170 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
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
“Illegally fishing in Australia is not worth the risk. Foreign nationals found unlawfully fishing in Australian waters face serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, their vessel and potential imprisonment.”
“AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute illegal foreign fishers.”
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Brooke Dewar:
“Illegal foreign fishers should be under no illusion about the consequences of entering Australian waters – you will be found, you will be stopped, and you will face enforcement action under Australian law.”
“Supported by our strong and coordinated partnership with AFMA, ABF officers continue to take proactive and decisive action, disrupting illegal fishing operations at every opportunity.”
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