In separate actions over a 48-hour period last week, the Australian Border Force, through Maritime Border Command (MBC), intercepted seven illegal foreign fishing vessels with a total of 51 crew onboard in waters off the Northern Territory and Western Australian coastlines.
The interceptions occurred before the vessels had a chance to fish and cause damage to Australia's fishing resources.
On Monday (14 October 2024), MBC intercepted:
Eight fishers on a vessel at Barracouta Shoal near Ashmore Island, north of Broome, WA;
Seven fishers on a vessel at Cape Londonderry within the North Kimberley Marine Park, WA;
Six fishers on a vessel at Trepang Bay, northeast of Darwin, NT; and
Thirteen fishers on two vessels at Cartier Island, north of Broome, WA.
On Tuesday (15 October 2024), MBC intercepted:
Five fishers on a vessel at Ashmore Island north of Broome, WA; and
Twelve fishers on a vessel at Croker Island, northeast of Darwin, NT.
In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), MBC officers boarded and inspected all seven fishing vessels, conducting legislative forfeitures and seizing a variety fishing-related equipment.
The vessels and their crew were subsequently escorted out of Australian waters.
This financial year, MBC and AFMA have successfully conducted 83 foreign fishing vessel interceptions and successfully prosecuted 48 Indonesian fishers in Australian courts.
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
