Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized yet another huge haul of sea cucumber from a foreign fishing vessel operating illegally in waters off the Northern Territory - bringing the total to more than six tonnes during the first month of Operation LUNAR.
Officers boarded the vessel off the Cobourg Peninsula on Saturday (4 January 2025) and spoke with seven crew members before seizing an estimated two tonnes of sea cucumber and various items of fishing equipment.
Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the catch was returned to the sea and the crew and vessel directed out of Australian waters.
Since Operation LUNAR was stood up in December, the ABF has intercepted 12 illegal foreign fishing vessels in waters off the NT, seizing over six tonnes of sea cucumber, 500kg of other catch, and over two tonnes of salt used to preserve the catch.
Two of the foreign fishing vessels, intercepted on 9 December 2024 and 18 December 2024, were disposed of in accordance with Australian law.
Acting Commander Tracie Griffin said the results demonstrated Operation LUNAR was having an immediate impact, but the ABF would continue its strong enforcement actions and build capability in the NT for as long as necessary.
"ABF is committed to protecting our vulnerable marine resources and delicate ecosystems through the targeting of irregular foreign fishing in Australian waters," Acting Commander Griffin said.
"However, with well in excess of 10,000km of NT coastline to protect - vast amounts of which is situated in very remote areas - we are not naive enough to suggest that we can be everywhere at any one time, which is why members of the public are important as extra eyes and ears.
"Everyone can do their part by simply keeping a watchful eye and reporting anything out of the ordinary."
Operation LUNAR is multi-agency operation in the Northern Territory established on 8 December 2024 to target the increase in illegal foreign fishing vessels in the area.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity is urged to contact Border Watch.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
