27 foreign nationals arrested for illegal fishing in Australian waters

​​​​The Australian Border Force (ABF) has apprehended 27 foreign fishermen and destroyed three vessels in Australia's northern waters​ recently as part of an ongoing campaign to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The ABF said all interceptions occurred before the crews had a chance to fish and cause damage to Australia's fishing resources.

On May 13, authorities detected an Indonesian vessel near Cartier Island. Officers boarded and identified six crewmembers with a variety of fishing equipment.

In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and after consideration of the operational circumstances, authorities seized the fishing equipment. The foreign fishing vessel was disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.

On May 14, ABF officers detected and apprehended another Indonesian vessel near Ashmore Reef. Officers boarded and identified 12 crewmembers, six reef fish, 65 kg of salt used to preserve catch, and a variety of fishing equipment.

In consultation with AFMA and after consideration of the operational circumstances, authorities seized the fishing equipment and salt, and returned the catch to the ocean. The foreign fishing vessel was disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.

Also on May 14, ABF officers detected and apprehended a third Indonesian vessel near Scott Reef. Officers boarded and identified nine crewmembers, 150 kg of salt used to preserve catch, and a variety of fishing equipment.

In consultation with AFMA and after consideration of the operational circumstances, authorities seized the fishing equipment and salt. The foreign fishing vessel was disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.

Authorities transported all 27 crewmembers of the three vessels to Darwin where they will be investigated by AFMA for alleged offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.

The ABF said that every report of suspected illegal fishing is taken seriously and that anyone with information about suspicious activity is urged to contact Border Watch​.