Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted two illegal foreign fishing vessels and apprehended 12 crew members in waters off the Northern Territory coast.
The interceptions were made after Bawinanga Homelands Aboriginal Corporation's Djelk Rangers reported a sighting of foreign fishing vessels near Maningrida.
ABF vessels subsequently located and intercepted the vessels near Maningrida and Port Essington, Northern Territory on Sunday, 22 February 2025.
Upon boarding the vessels, ABF officers seized a total of 1,200 kilograms of trepang (sea cucumber), valued up to AUD$12,000, and fishing equipment.
In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the two vessels were apprehended, with 12 Indonesian fishers detained to be brought into Darwin for investigation of suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The vessels were seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
ABF Operation LUNAR Commander Tracie Griffin thanked the Djelk Rangers for reporting the sighting and encouraged others in the community to continue to report suspicious information.
"ABF is dedicated to responding to every report of illegal foreign fishing in the Northern Territory," Commander Griffin said.
"These latest interceptions are an exceptional example of the success we are seeing as a result of Operation LUNAR, and we are grateful to the Djelk Rangers for their diligent reporting of this sighting.
"The unique and detailed knowledge that Indigenous ranger groups and Traditional Owners and custodians possess about Country is invaluable in supporting our efforts to protect our borders, and I urge those with information to continue to report it through Border Watch."
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
