Eighteen illegal fishers from two Indonesian vessels recently pleaded guilty to fisheries offences reported in Australian waters in April 2024.
In separate incidents throughout the previous month, Australian authorities located, intercepted, and apprehended two Indonesian vessels fishing illegally in Australian waters. One of the vessels initially attempted to evade authorities, with the other located hiding within mangroves in the Kimberley Marine Park in Western Australia.
Australian authorities seized a combined catch of 750 kilograms of shark fin, three stingray tails, and 10 kilograms of sea cucumber (trepang). A range of equipment was also seized including reef walking shoes, a large quantity of fishing line, nets, and 220 kilograms of salt (used for preserving catch).
The vessels were seized and lawfully disposed of, whilst the crew from each vessel was detained and transported to Darwin.
The 18 fishers were charged with various offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). All accused fishers pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court with findings of guilt recorded in each case.
The court noted the seriousness of the offending, with penalties ranging from imprisonment, individual fines of up to AU$5,000 (US$3,340), and Recognizance Release Orders for first time offenders.
The individuals identified as the master of each vessel received three-month and two-month terms of imprisonment respectively. The three-month sentence is related to a charge of failing to facilitate boarding by an officer, arising from the vessel's attempts to evade interception by authorities.
Additionally, three of the fishers were required to serve periods of imprisonment following execution of outstanding warrants arising from previous similar offending.
The apprehensions were carried out by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority in partnership with Maritime Border Command, a multi-agency task force that includes the Australian Border Force and the Australian Defence Force.
