Australian Border Force Continues Crackdown on Illegal Fishing Operators

The Australian Border Force has been actively pursuing illegal Indonesian fishing operators in Australian waters, and their efforts have recently yielded more successful interceptions. Over the weekend, ABF officers intercepted two boats off the Northern Territory, seized illegal catches, and made several arrests.

On Friday, a patrol near the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory caught a vessel engaged in illegal fishing activities. Upon inspection, the officers discovered three shark fins and 500 kilos of sea cucumber on board, along with fishing equipment. The perpetrators were apprehended, and the boat was subsequently destroyed at sea.

The following day, another Indonesian boat was intercepted in the same region with five crew members on board. The vessel was found to be carrying 1600 kilos of sea cucumber, a highly sought-after delicacy in East Asia. The crew was arrested, and the boat was disposed of. All individuals were transported to Darwin to face legal consequences.

The significant haul of 2.1 tonnes of sea cucumber seized from these operations underscores the lucrative nature of illegal fishing activities in Australian waters, with an estimated value of US$140,000. ABF emphasizes the financial incentive driving foreign fishing operators to take risks and operate unlawfully.

Legal Ramifications

Illegal fishing offenses in Australia carry severe penalties, often resulting in criminal charges and guilty pleas. In a recent court hearing on August 5, 11 Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to charges related to illegal fishing activities. These charges stemmed from two separate vessel interceptions.

In the first case, the crew was caught with salt for preservation and a 300-meter longline but no fish on board. The master of the vessel was fined AUD$6,000, while other crew members received smaller penalties. In the second case, the crew was found in possession of 66 shark fins, leading to hefty fines. Additionally, one crew member had an outstanding warrant, further complicating the legal situation.

Failure to pay fines often results in imprisonment, followed by deportation for foreign nationals involved in illegal fishing operations. The Australian authorities are committed to enforcing strict measures to deter and punish individuals participating in unlawful fishing practices.