The Australian Border Force (ABF) has apprehended a foreign vessel and detained its crew on suspicion of fishing illegally in the Arafura Sea.
On Wednesday, September 9, a patrol boat intercepted the vessel near the Australian exclusive economic zone (AEEZ) boundary north of the Wessel Islands in the Northern Territory.
Authorities boarded the vessel and identified evidence of suspected fisheries offences and seized 100 kg of fresh and dry reef fish and roe.
Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the vessel was seized and its crew were detained.
The crew will be transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA in relation to suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
The vessel will be disposed of in accordance with Australian law and relevant environmental and biosecurity requirements.
The apprehension was conducted under Operation Lunar, an ABF-led multi-agency operation targeting illegal foreign fishing in waters off the NT coastline.
“Australia’s maritime border is protected through a layered approach, including aerial surveillance, patrol vessels, intelligence operations, land-based patrols and information provided by coastal communities,” Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Natasha O’Farrell said.
Anyone with information on suspected illegal fishing activity is advised to report the incident via Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.