Seventeen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters following the apprehension of two foreign fishing vessels by Australian authorities attached to Maritime Border Command (MBC).
The first vessel was intercepted inside the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Box, north of Scott Reef in the Australian Territorial Sea, off Western Australia on September 29, 2026.
The MOU Box permits fishing by traditional style Indonesian vessels adhering to traditional fishing practices.
Authorities located 13 crewmembers on board a motorised vessel, along with approximately 100 kg of reef fish, 60 kg of sea cucumber, various non-traditional fishing and diving equipment, as well as 1,000 kg of salt (used to preserve catch).
Offences for illegally fishing in the Australian Territorial Sea carry a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment.
The second vessel was intercepted 12 nautical miles within the Australian Fishing Zone northeast of Cartier Island, in Western Australian waters on October 6, 2026.
Four crewmembers were located on board, together with 20 kg of shark fin, three kg of reef fish, 30 kg of salt, and various fishing equipment.
Both vessels were seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law. The detained crew were transported to Darwin, where the Australian Fisheries Management Authority conducted further investigation into the matters.
All 17 crewmembers were charged with offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) and pleaded guilty in Darwin Local Court on October 27, 2026. They were released on undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of two years.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online.
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.
