18 Indonesian nationals found guilty of illegal fishing in Australian waters

​Eighteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, May 13.

The matters arose from incidents where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended Indonesian vessels fishing illegally on the following occasions: on April 7, 2025, near New Year Island, Northern Territory; on April 15, 2025, near North Eclipse Island, Western Australia; and on April 20, 2025, near Browse Island, Western Australia.

Authorities seized dried fish, more than 600 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, mobile phones, GPS devices, and a range of fishing equipment.

The crews were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. The Australian Border Force (ABF) seized the fishing vessels, with each being destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.

Eighteen fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).

The master of one vessel was released on a AU$3,000 (US$2,000) undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of three years. The masters of the remaining two vessels were released on AU$3,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of two years.

One fisher was identified as having been released on a good behaviour undertaking in January 2025 for similar offending. On the current matter, he was released on a further AU$2,000 (US$1,300) undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.

One fisher was identified as having been released on a good behaviour undertaking in November 2024 for similar offending. On the current matter, he was released on a further AU$3,500 (US$2,200) undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of four years.

Thirteen fishers were released on AU$500 (US$30) undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of two years.

All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.

There have been 194 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since July 1, 2024.

Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.