Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted three illegal foreign fishing vessels in waters off Maningrida, Northern Territory.
The interceptions are part of a new ABF-led, multi-agency taskforce called Operation LUNAR, which was stood up last week to target an increase in illegal foreign fishing detected in the NT.
On Saturday (14 December 2024), the ABF assigned air and surface assets to investigate reports from members of the Maningrida community of possible illegal foreign fishing activity.
Authorities intercepted the vessels on Sunday (15 December 2024) and seized 500kg of sea cucumber, 1000kg of salt, which is used for preserving catch; two canoes and an assortment of fishing equipment.
In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the illegal fishing vessels were then escorted outside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.
Acting Commander of Operation LUNAR Tracie Griffin said the ABF was proactively patrolling at sea and in the air to detect suspicious activity and will take appropriate action every time a vessel is intercepted.
"There has been an increase in illegal foreign fishing vessels across northern Australia, and the ABF has adjusted its posture accordingly, which includes deployments under Operation LUNAR," Acting Commander Griffin said.
"We know illegal fishers will go to great lengths in an attempt to avoid detection, but not only are we resourced to respond and have technology to locate them, we have the community as our extra eyes and ears.
"We are particularly grateful for the advice of Indigenous rangers and First Nations communities whose local knowledge and observations are an invaluable contribution to the work being done on LUNAR."
Every report of suspected illegal fishing is taken seriously and anyone with information about suspicious activity is urged to contact Border Watch.
