A total of fourteen illegal fishing vessels were detected and intercepted by Australian Border Force over a four-day period earlier this month.
These interceptions took place in waters off northern Australia and the fourteen vessels between them had 112 crew on board.
Altogether, 550kg of sea cucumber and 200kg of dried and fresh fish were seized, in addition to 2500kg of salt and a variety of air compressors and regulators, hand lines, reef shoes, long lines and hand lines, spear guns, fishing nets, and other equipment.
The resulting combination of apprehensions, controlled and regulated vessel destructions, and removal of valuable equipment are seen as presenting a strong deterrent against future ventures into Australian waters.
