Australian authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal fishing, intercepting 14 foreign vessels with 112 crew and prosecuting 19 Indonesian nationals in separate operations across northern waters, officials said.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) conducted a five-day operation between Nov. 14 and 18, boarding and inspecting the 14 vessels and seizing illegal marine products, including sea cucumber, worth up to AUD 55,000 ($36,000), the agency said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov. 20).
In related cases earlier this month, 19 Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegal fishing charges at Darwin Local Court, with two repeat offenders receiving suspended prison sentences, according to court documents.
One repeat offender was sentenced to six months of suspended imprisonment with 14 days of immediate custody, while another received a three-month suspended sentence.
Fishing vessel and crew arrested by Australian Border Force. Source: Australian Border Force
The court cases stemmed from two separate incidents in October where authorities intercepted Indonesian vessels targeting sea cucumber in protected marine parks near Port Essington and Cape Talbot.
Officials confiscated substantial quantities of fishing equipment and salt used for preservation. The intercepted vessels in the October cases were destroyed under Australian biosecurity laws.
"These court outcomes reinforce that illegal fishing in Australian waters will not be tolerated," said Justin Bathurst, general manager of fisheries operations at the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
The remaining convicted crew members were released on good behavior bonds ranging from AUD 200 to AUD 5,000, with terms between one and three years. All 19 convicted fishers will be deported to Indonesia.
Maritime border command rear admiral Brett Sonter said Australia maintains extensive surveillance and patrol capabilities to combat illegal fishing.
"Our message to illegal foreign fishers is simple: Australia does not tolerate illegal activity in our waters. We will intercept you, you will lose your catch, your equipment and possibly even your vessel," said Sonter.
Australian authorities are also conducting public information campaigns in Indonesian fishing communities to address the issue at its source.
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