The Australian Border Force (ABF) is continuing disruption operations across northern waters, with five foreign fishing vessels intercepted and safely destroyed at sea since the commencement of Operation Broadstaff earlier this year.
Two of the five vessels were intercepted on 20th February 2026 while allegedly fishing illegally near Albany Island. Another vessel was intercepted on 3rd March 2026 in the Escape River on the Cape York Peninsula , while two more boats were intercepted off Trochus Island on 7th March 2026.
Vessel seizure and disposal is a key measure in the ABF’s enforcement strategy and a strong deterrent to illegal operators entering Australian waters to fish unlawfully.
‘Operation Broadstaff is already delivering significant impacts. Our officers are identifying foreign fishing vessels earlier, intercepting them before they can cause harm, and disrupting illegal activity across key northern corridors,’ said Maritime Border Command (MBC) Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar.
Since 1st January 2026, the ABF has intercepted 19 foreign fishing vessels in waters off northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, nine of which have been destroyed.
Recent interceptions have stopped boats before illegal foreign fishing occurred, highlighting early operational successes.
‘Vessel destruction is one tool. Seizure of fishing equipment, education and escorting vessels out of Australian waters are also critical parts of a multi-layered enforcement approach,’ Brooke Dewar said.
‘We will continue strong enforcement in the Torres Strait for as long as necessary.’
