Ten Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in separate cases at Darwin Local Court on April 29 and 30, 2025. These incidents highlight the ongoing issue of illegal fishing in Australian waters and the efforts of authorities to combat this illegal activity.

First Case

The first case stemmed from an incident on April 3, 2025, when Australian authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Parry Harbor, Western Australia. The authorities seized a significant amount of evidence, including 420 kg of sea cucumber, 300 kg of salt used for processing catch, and various fishing equipment.

The crew members were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The Australian Border Force (ABF) seized the vessel, which was subsequently destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. The fishers were charged with offenses against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).

The master of the vessel received a 27-day term of imprisonment, while the remaining crew members were released on undertakings to be of good behavior for two years. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of illegal fishing activities.

Second Case

In the second case, which occurred on April 10, 2025, Australian authorities intercepted another Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Port Essington, Northern Territory. Similar to the first case, authorities seized sea cucumber, salt, and fishing equipment, leading to the detention of the crew members.

Following investigation by AFMA and seizure of the vessel by ABF, the fishers were charged with offenses under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master of the vessel received a 21-day term of imprisonment, while some crew members were released on undertakings to be of good behavior for two years.

All fishers involved in these cases will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity. These incidents add to the total of 176 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since July 1, 2024.