Illegal fishers, vessels seized in Western Australia's Kimberley Marine Park

Two foreign fishing vessels and 12 fishers have been detected and apprehended by the Australian Border Force (ABF) within the Kimberley Marine Park off the coast of Western Australia, the ABF comfirmed via a press release on Thursday, April 17.

On April 3, a foreign fishing vessel was seen in the vicinity of Cape Bougainville suspected of conducting illegal fishing activity. In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and after consideration of the operational circumstances, the five fishers on board were apprehended.

On Tuesday, April 15, an additional foreign fishing vessel was seen near Holothuria Banks, also suspected of conducting illegal fishing activity. In consultation with the AFMA and after consideration of the operational circumstances, the seven fishers on board were apprehended.

Across both operations, a total of 420 kg of sea cucumber and 360 kg of salt used to preserve the catch were seized, along with the fishing equipment found on the two vessels.

As an additional deterrent, both fishing vessels were seized and disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.

The 12 fishers will be transported to Darwin where they will be investigated by AFMA for alleged offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online.