Indonesian nationals fined for 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 27, according to a press release from the Australian Border Force (ABF).

One matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on May 11, 2025, near Croker Island, Northern Territory.

Two additional matters arose from separate incidents where Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and ABF officers identified, intercepted and apprehended Indonesian vessels fishing illegally on May 12, 2025, near the Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory.

Authorities seized more than 900 kg of sea cucumber with a market value up to AU$90,000 (US$60,000) and a range of fishing equipment.

The crews were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The three fishing vessels were seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.

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

The master of one vessel had prior findings of guilt for similar offending in 2007 and was fined AU$10,000 (US$6,000). The masters of the remaining two vessels were each fined AU$8,000 (US$5,000). The remaining crew were each fined AU$4,000 (US$2,500).

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

There have been 212 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since July 1, 2024.