Following up on reports from the local community of sightings of suspected illegal fishing vessels around Milingimbi in Australia’s Northern Territory, officers from AFMA, NTPOL and the Crocodile Islands Rangers (CI Rangers) found two fishing vessels hidden within the dense mangroves at Mardanaingura Island and Rabuma Island.
A total of 18 illegal fishermen were identified on board the two Indonesian vessels. An investigation established that they had been fishing illegally in Australian waters. More than 400kg of sea cucumber was seized. Additionally, assorted fishing equipment including nets, salt, reef boots, goggles, and a mobile phone (with many Australian fishing grounds identified in the GPS) were also seized.
The vessels were removed from the areas and directed to leave the Australian Fishing Zone.
AFMA CEO Wez Norris highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge and support from local communities to inform and address the Australian Government’s response to illegal fishing in Australia’s northern waters.
‘We welcome ongoing support from communities to inform us of any suspected illegal fishing along Australia’s remote northern coastlines to minimise the impact of illegal fishing and other maritime and biosecurity risks. We take these reports seriously, and we want to thank the community members of Milingimbi for reporting this illegal activity,’ he said.
‘This joint operation undertaken by AFMA with support from NTPOL and CI Rangers demonstrates the strong commitment by multiple government agencies to detect and deter illegal foreign fishing. AFMA is grateful for their support in committing resources to these operations.’
