The Australian Border Force (ABF) has deployed a helicopter to the Northern Territory to help combat a surge in illegal foreign fishing in the Top End.
The newly contracted helicopter ensures that ABF officers working under Operation LUNAR can respond more rapidly throughout a vast and sometimes inaccessible region with over 10,000km of coastline and 887 islands.
It will also bolster ongoing efforts by the ABF to detect and disrupt those who attempt to use common illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing corridors to provide passage to unauthorised maritime arrivals.
Commander Tracie Griffin said that together with the fleet of ABF and Defence's sea, air and land assets on Operation LUNAR, the helicopter added to a multi-layered approach to countering illegal maritime activities.
"We are sending a strong message to those who seek to exploit Australia's natural resources for financial gain: Australia will not tolerate illegal activity in our maritime domain. We will intercept you, and you will lose your catch, your equipment, and potentially your vessel," Commander Griffin said.
"The challenges faced by the ABF with the size and remoteness of the Northern Territory are greatly assisted by the helicopter.
"The helicopter gives us the ability to cover a vast amount of distance in a shorter period and be able to land in otherwise inaccessible areas without requiring an airstrip.
"Importantly, the helicopter will also assist with surveillance patrols during inclement weather conditions such as the wet season, when land patrols can be restricted due to flooding and other dangerous conditions."
The ABF would continue to build capability and maintain decisive enforcement actions in the NT for as long as necessary.
Operation LUNAR is a multi-agency operation in the Northern Territory stood up in December 2024 to target the increase in illegal foreign fishing vessels being detected in the area.
Recent figures demonstrate that Operation LUNAR is having an immediate impact.
As at 21 January 2025, the ABF has intercepted 20 illegal foreign fishing vessels in waters off the NT under Operation LUNAR, seizing more than seven tonnes of sea cucumber, 500kg of various other catch, and two tonnes of salt, which is used to preserve the catch.
A total of five foreign fishing vessels have been disposed of at sea under Operation LUNAR.
Commander Griffin added that the ABF was committed to maintaining its partnership with the NT community.
"Regular face-to-face contact with remote communities and outstations is crucial to our operations," she said.
"Locals know what looks out of place in their own community and this new response asset will enable ongoing engagement negating the need for lengthy time behind the wheel driving into these locations."
Anyone with information about suspicious activity that may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to contact Border Watch.
You can help protect Australia's border and the community by reporting suspicious activities. Information can be provided anonymously.
