It is now seemed that Australian authority will soon win the war on illegal fishing in the northern waters. Fisheries Minister Tony Burke told that only four boats have been apprehended since May. He said that the fight to combat illegal fishing — an illicit trade worth tens of millions of dollars a year — would go on.
According to Burke the figures are encouraging, but one never achieve permanent victory in this sort of battle. He express that there is a need to maintain the effort in patrols, apprehensions and seeking successful prosecution. Burke pointed out that Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have a shared interest in continuing to work together to tackle illegal fishing. It is said that this year there is a total of 77 illegal fishing had been caught up to yesterday, following 125 last year and 365 in 2006.
Burke also said that more effective sea and air patrols over the vulnerable Top End would be needed. He attributed a vigorous education campaign in Indonesian fishing communities as a major factor in helping cut down on illegal fishing boat arrivals. He explained that the efforst of Australian authorities should not be underestimating as the role it plays in deterring illegal fishing is par excellence.
It is noticed that tough new rules of engagement introduced by the Howard government, including authorisation for Royal Australian Navy warships to “shoot to sink” illegal poaching boats, were also likely to have played a major deterrent role. Labour used the issue to press for the establishment of an Australian coast guard, a policy now quietly dropped.
