The seized of Indonesian vessel is described as one of the biggest illegal foreign fishing craft seized in 12 months. A new Armidale class patrol boat, HMAS Maryborough, has caught the Mitra 2139, Indonesian vessel, off the Wessel Islands last week, seven nautical miles inside the economic exclusion zone. After initial search it was found that the Indonesian ship was allegedly carrying more than two tons of illegally caught fish.
The navy officers escorted the boat and its crew of 16 to Darwin where further investigations are under way. According to the Australian navy there was a sophisticated suite of satellite navigation equipment found, which indicates that the vessel could be part of a well-organized criminal racket. The federal Government has expressed strong concern about the intrusion of such vessel in Australian waters.
Fisheries Minister Tony Burke said the government is serious about the fight against illegal fishing as it put extra pressure on fish stocks and uses boats which can spread pest or disease. As per information a total of 37 foreign fishing boats, mostly Indonesian, have been apprehended so far this year. Nigel Catchlove, Australian Fisheries Management Authority spokesman, said that the fall in illegal boat apprehensions is due to an intensive education campaign to warn traditional Indonesian fishermen against straying into Australian waters. He informed that these illegal boats target mostly trepang, shark, tuna and reef fish species as illegal fishing is a sophisticated business.
