Nine Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Friday, June 13, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) said in a joint press release.
The matters arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Ashmore Reef in the Indian Ocean on May 14.
Authorities seized 65 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and a range of fishing gear including diving equipment.
The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. ABF seized the vessel, and it was destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Ten fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
The master of the vessel was sentenced to concurrent six-month terms of imprisonment on each of two charges, to be released after three months on a AU$10,000 (US$6,500) undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of five months.
One crewmember was identified as being subject to an outstanding warrant for previous similar offending and taken into custody. On the current matter, the case against him was adjourned until June 27, 2025.
The remaining eight crew were each fined AU$2,500 (US$1,600). All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest 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.