Seven Indonesian nationals fined after pleading guilty to illegal fishing in Australian waters

​​​Seven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, June 24.

The matters arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on June 6, 2025, off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.

Authorities seized 750 kg of sea cucumber and a range of fishing equipment.

The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. The Australian Border Force (ABF) seized the vessel, and it was destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.

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

The master of the vessel was fined AU$10,000 (US$6,500) and the remaining six crew members were each fined AU$4,000 (US$2,600). One crew member pleaded guilty to a separate illegal fishing offence committed in March 2025 and was fined an additional AU$6,000 (US$4,000).

All fines are payable within 28 days with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default. All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.