Seven Indonesian nationals recently pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court, the Australian Border Force (ABF) said on Thursday, March 13.
The case arose from an incident on February 11, 2025, when Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Croker Island, Northern Territory.
Authorities seized 339 shark fins, a significant quantity of fishing equipment, and 200 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch.
The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), while the vessel was seized by the ABF and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
All fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master of the vessel was released on a AU$1,000 (US$600) undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of five years.
The remaining crew members were also released on AU$1,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of five years.
One of the crew had an outstanding warrant for similar offending dating back to 2010. He was taken into custody and sentenced to an additional 35 days imprisonment relating to an outstanding fine owed on the historical matter.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by the ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.
There have been 132 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since July 1, 2024.