On Friday (22 November 2024), the Australian Border Force (ABF), through Maritime Border Command (MBC), intercepted two illegal foreign fishing vessels in waters near the remote Northern Territory community of Maningrida.
The community alerted authorities to the vessels hiding in mangroves in a creek north of Junction Bay on the Arnhem coastline. The ABF responded immediately, relocating a patrol vessel that had been involved in response activities as part of an enhanced posture.
On arrival, MBC personnel in consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), seized 190 kilograms of sea cucumber, 240 kilograms of salt (used for preserving catch), and assorted fishing equipment.
One of the fishing vessels was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian biosecurity law.
The second vessel was escorted out of Australian waters.
Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Commander MBC, said with well in excess of 30,000 kilometres of coastline to protect, much of which is in very remote areas, the community has always played an important role in protecting the Australian border.
"ABF, Defence and AFMA officers work tirelessly to protect our vast coastline and ensure those who seek to profit from illegal fishing are detected and detained," Rear Admiral Sonter said.
"People who come to Australian waters to conduct illegal fishing activity will be caught, will lose their catch, equipment and likely their vessel.
"MBC proactively adjusts and monitors its force posture through an intelligence-led, risk-based approach, and we've seen the results of that approach in the speed and success of this interception.
"I would like to thank the hardworking officials and members of the public who reported the vessels to Border Watch. This timely reporting enabled a successful interception and contributed to ongoing efforts to protect Australia's sovereign waters."
Mr Justin Bathurst, AFMA General Manager of Fisheries Operations, said illegal fishing operators will always see Australia's healthy fisheries resources as an attractive target.
"AFMA and our partner agencies remain absolutely committed to the task of detecting illegal fishers. Those caught fishing illegally in Australian waters risk prosecution and imprisonment as well as the seizure and destruction of their vessel," said Mr Bathurst.
MBC and AFMA have successfully conducted 139 foreign fishing vessel interceptions and successfully prosecuted 67 foreign fishers in Australian courts this financial year (with a further 16 Indonesian fishers awaiting Court hearings).
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
