Between 13 and 24 November 2024, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), in partnership with Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Army, led a joint operation to target persistent illegal foreign fishing activity in the Northern Territory.
Operation Pristis comprised AFMA fisheries officers, ABF marine tactical officers and soldiers from the Australian Army's North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) to detect, deter and disrupt illegal foreign fishers in the Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory.
A large charter vessel was utilised to support multiple smaller boarding vessels deployed deep into creeks and mangroves to remove foreign fishing vessels (FFVs). A helicopter was used to provide aerial surveillance and identify FFVs concealed within the mangroves. The operation was further supported by Northern Territory Parks Rangers at Black Point.
Throughout the operation officers located, intercepted and apprehended two Indonesian vessels fishing illegally in the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. A search of the vessels resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,120 kilograms of sea cucumber worth an estimated AUD $112,000 or more than one billion Indonesian Rupiah. Also located and seized was a large quantity of fishing equipment, 520 kilograms of salt (used to process and preserve catch), canoes, reef shoes, dive masks, catch bags and other processing equipment.
In a separate incident, a further two Indonesian fishing vessels were located, intercepted and apprehended by Maritime Border Command (MBC). Both vessels were destroyed at sea by AFMA in accordance with Australian law. The fishers were subsequently embarked on another vessel and directed back to Indonesia.
Illegal fishers continue to target Australia's pristine northern coastal mangrove systems to harvest highly prized sea cucumber, commonly sold in Asian markets.
Mr Justin Bathurst, AFMA's General Manager of Fisheries Operations, said that the combination of apprehensions, vessel destructions and seizure of expensive equipment are a strong deterrent against illegal fishing in Australian waters.
"This joint operation demonstrates a strong commitment by multiple government agencies to detect and deter illegal foreign fishing. We are grateful to our partners for their support and commitment of resources to these operations."
Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Commander MBC, said the ABF is committed to protecting our vulnerable marine resources and delicate ecosystems through the targeting of illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters.
"Our message to those who seek to conduct this illegal activity in Australian waters is quite simple - don't. We see your activity, we will intercept you, you will lose your catch, your boats and fishing equipment will be destroyed and we will prosecute you," Rear Admiral Sonter said.
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
