The Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) can confirm the successful interception of four illegal Indonesian fishing vessels near Augustus Island in north-west Western Australia.
On Tuesday 6 August 2024, an Australian Defence Vessel (ADV), in partnership with Maritime Border Command (MBC), intercepted the vessels following a report from a local business. A total of 33 adult males were identified across the vessels.
MBC is a multi-agency task force utilising Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) assets.
Officers boarded and inspected the vessels, before consulting with AFMA who advised on the apprehensions of crew and vessels. The officers seized over 700 kilograms of sea cucumber, 2,350 kilograms of salt (for processing), four kilograms of shark fin, four kilograms of sea urchin, and a large quantity of fishing equipment from the vessels.
Three of the four vessels were seized and destroyed at sea today (Thursday 8 August 2024), with the fourth vessel transported outside of the Australian fishing zone with 13 of the fishers on board.
The remaining 20 men are currently on board the ADV and will be transferred to the Australian mainland for investigation of suspected offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
In response to increased illegal fishing activity, the ABF has boosted its presence in the region with Operation Leedstrum which was established in late 2023. This investment has provided additional land-based patrol and response capabilities, more staffing, patrol vehicles, and a helicopter.
This has enabled the ABF to respond rapidly to any Border Watch reporting from members of the public.
Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Commander MBC, said the successful outcome is further evidence of our ongoing commitment to strong enforcement action against illegal foreign fishing.
"These apprehensions show that the systems in place across this very vast coastline are working, and we thank the community members who reported seeing suspicious activity," Rear Admiral Sonter said.
"Our message is simple and unequivocal - those looking to exploit Australia's sovereign waters will be detected and intercepted. You will lose your catch, your equipment, and possibly your vessel."
Wez Norris, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, said illegal foreign fishing is a serious issue.
"Not only does this illegal fishing cause serious damage to our fish stocks, but these vessels also pose significant biosecurity risks with serious implications for our well‑protected marine environments, and commercial, recreational fishing and aquaculture industries.
"We remain focused on strong enforcement action, apprehending and prosecuting illegal fishers to the full extent of the law.
"Prosecution outcomes highlight the severity of this offending, and send a clear message to any foreign fishers considering entering Australian waters - your catch will be seized, your vessel destroyed, and you will be facing significant fines and possible imprisonment."
Prior to this interception, MBC and AFMA have successfully conducted four interceptions and prosecuted 10 Indonesian fishermen this financial year.
For the previous financial year (2023-2024), there was a total of 22 apprehensions and 75 Indonesian fishermen prosecuted.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to contact Border Watch.
