Eighteen fishermen are in hot water after pleading guilty to fisheries offences at the Darwin Local Court this week. In separate incidents during April 2024 Australian authorities located, intercepted and apprehended two Indonesian vessels fishing illegally in Australian waters.
One of the vessels initially attempted to evade authorities, with the other located hiding within mangroves in the Kimberley Marine Park.
The vessels were seized and lawfully disposed of, while the crews were detained and transported to Darwin.
Eighteen fishers were charged with various offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991. All of the accused pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court with findings of guilt recorded in each case. The court noted the seriousness of the offending, with penalties ranging from imprisonment, individual fines of up to $5000AUD and Recognizance Release Orders for first time offenders.
The individuals identified as skipper of each vessel received 3-month and 2-month terms of imprisonment respectively. The 3-month sentence related to a charge of failing to facilitate boarding by an officer, arising from the vessel’s attempts to evade interception by authorities. Additionally, three of the fishers were required to serve periods of imprisonment following execution of outstanding warrants arising from previous similar offending.
‘AFMA, along with our partner agencies, remains committed to catching and prosecuting illegal operators,’ commented AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Justin Bathurst.
‘These court outcomes demonstrate the seriousness of illegal fishing and the risks these individuals are taking.’
As well as continuing to target foreign fishing vessels operating illegally inside Australian waters, the authorities are also delivering public information campaigns in Indonesian fishing communities, distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
‘The Australian Border Force, through Maritime Border Command, remains committed to protecting our maritime borders from any security threats, including irregular foreign fishing,’ said Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, commander of Maritime Border Command.
‘The detection, interception, and prosecution of these illegal fishers serves notice to any crews operating illegally in Australian waters. Don’t attempt to ply your trade here. We will intercept you, you will lose your equipment and your vessel.’
During the operation Australian authorities seized a combined catch of 750kg of shark fin, three stingray tails and 10kg of sea cucumber (trepang). A range of equipment was also seized including reef walking shoes, a large quantity of fishing line, nets and 220kg of salt, which is used for preserving catch.
