11 Indonesian nationals plead guilty after fishing illegally in Australian waters
Eleven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court earlier this month, the Australian Border Force (ABF) said on Thursday, August 14.
The first matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on July 19, 2025, near Ashmore Island.
ABF officers seized 40 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and various fishing equipment including a 300-metre longline. Six crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. The crew were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
The master of the vessel was fined a total of AU$6,000 (US$4,000). One crewmember, identified as a recidivist, was fined AU$2,000 (US$1,300). The remaining four crew were each fined AU$1,500 (US$980).
The second matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on July 23, 2025, near Adele Island, Western Australia.
The ABF seized 66 shark fins, 120 kg of salt and various fishing equipment. Five crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA, and the vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. All fishers were also charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
One crewmember was taken into custody to serve a period of imprisonment following execution of an outstanding warrant for previous similar offending. He was fined an additional AU$10,000 (US$6,600) on the current matter.
The master of the vessel was fined a total of AU$9,000 (US$5,900). A third crewmember was identified as a recidivist and fined AU$3,000 (US$2,000). The remaining two crew were each fined AU$1,500.
All fines are payable within 28 days, with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default. All fishers will also be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
