Seventeen fishermen have been escorted out of Australian waters without their catch and equipment after two separate vessels were intercepted by Australian Border Force (ABF).
As part of targeted patrols in the Kimberley Marine Park, a Maritime Border Command (MBC) vessel detected suspicious activity near Cassini Island yesterday (Tuesday 3 September 2024).
On further investigation, a foreign fishing vessel was intercepted in that vicinity and seven men were identified on board.
Officers boarded and inspected the vessel, identifying 700kg of salt, a diesel-powered canoe, and a variety of fishing and fishing-related equipment. MBC, in consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), determined that a legislative forfeiture be conducted and seized the abovementioned identified equipment and catch.
Meanwhile, another MBC vessel responded following reports from a business and a community member of possible illegal foreign fishing activity near Cobourg Peninsula yesterday.
The vessel was intercepted in the vicinity of Port Essington and 10 men were identified before officers boarded and conducted an inspection.
MBC, again in consultation with AFMA, determined that a legislative forfeiture be undertaken, and officers seized 300kg of salt, four mobile phones used for and GPS positioning to tag areas of fishing, and a variety of fishing and fishing-related equipment. The digital devices will be forensically examined by AFMA to support future operations to detect and deter illegal fishing operations within Australian waters.
Both foreign vessels were subsequently escorted north outside the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone.
The ABF would like to thank the community for their support, especially those who made reports to Border Watch.
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online or by calling 1800 06 1800.
