Three foreign fishing vessels intercepted off NT coast

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted three illegal foreign fishing vessels and apprehended 18 crewmembers in waters off the Northern Territory coast.

The interceptions are the latest under the ABF-led, multi-agency Operation LUNAR, stood up last year to respond to the increase in illegal foreign fishing detected in the area.

ABF aerial surveillance patrols sighted the vessels in the vicinity of Money Shoal before ABF officers responded and boarded the vessels on Saturday, January 11.

Upon boarding the vessels, ABF officers seized a total of 720 kg of trepang (sea cucumber) and fishing equipment.

After thorough assessment of the circumstances, including consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), two vessels were apprehended, with 18 Indonesian fishers detained to be brought into Darwin for investigation of suspected offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991. The vessels have been destroyed in accordance with Australian law.

The third vessel was subject to a legislative forfeiture and escorted out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.