Nineteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases earlier this month, following the interception of three fishing vessels off Northern Territory.
The three vessels were destroyed at sea and the crews brought to Darwin for investigation. 130kg of catch, 390kg of salt and a variety of fishing gear and navigation aids were seized.
The skippers were each fined $6,000 and fifteen crew members were each fined $3500. One crew member with a previous finding of guilt for similar offending was fined $4000. All fines are payable within 28 days with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default.
The men are all expected to deported back to Indonesia at the first available opportunity
