Two Indonesian fishermen have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court, after the Australian authorities identified and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Money Shoal, northeast of Darwin last month.
The catch of more than 700kg of sea cucumber, valued at over $70,000, was seized, along with preserving salt and fishing gear. The boat was destroyed and the crew transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
Two crew members pleaded guilty to offences. One crew member was released on a $3,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months. The second crew member was subject to an outstanding warrant arising from previous similar offending in 2017 and was fined $3000. That fine is payable within 28 days with a term of imprisonment to be imposed in the event of default.
Both men will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
112 Indonesian fishermen have been prosecuted at the Darwin Local Court since 1st July 2024.
