12 vessels intercepted, tonnes of sea cucumber seized during first 30 days of Australian Border Force's Operation LUNAR

The ​Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized yet another huge haul of sea cucumber from a foreign fishing vessel operating illegally in waters off the Northern Territory – bringing the total to more than six tonnes during the first month of Operation LUNAR.

Officers boarded the vessel off the Cobourg Peninsula on January 4 and spoke with seven crewmembers before seizing an estimated two tonnes of sea cucumber and various items of fishing equipment. Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the catch was returned to the sea and the crew and vessel directed out of Australian waters.

Since Operation LUNAR was stood up in December 2024, the ABF has intercepted 12 illegal foreign fishing vessels in waters off the NT, seizing over six tonnes of sea cucumber, 500 kg of other catch, and over two tonnes of salt used to preserve the catch.

Two of the foreign fishing vessels, intercepted on December 9 and December, were disposed of in accordance with Australian law.

Acting Commander Tracie Griffin said the results demonstrated Operation LUNAR was having an immediate impact, but the ABF would continue its strong enforcement actions and build capability in the NT for as long as necessary.

“ABF is committed to protecting our vulnerable marine resources and delicate ecosystems through the targeting of irregular foreign fishing in Australian waters," Acting Commander Griffin said.

Operation LUNAR is multi-agency operation in the Northern Territory established on December 8, 2024 to target the increase in illegal foreign fishing vessels​ in the area.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity is urged to contact Border Watch.