Nineteen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters, with fines totalling $74,500 and three boats destroyed, after three separate cases were finalised in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
The prosecutions followed two incidents late last month. Australian authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 22 June in the Cobourg Marine Park, and two more vessels were intercepted on 25 June near Maningrida, all in Northern Territory waters.
The crews were detained and transported to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The Australian Border Force (ABF) seized the vessels, which were destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. Authorities also seized 130 kg of sea cucumber, 390 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, navigational aids and various fishing equipment.
All 19 fishers were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The masters of the three vessels were each fined $6,000; fifteen crew members were each fined $3,500; and one crew member with a previous finding of guilt for similar offending was fined $4,000. The fines are payable within 28 days, with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default. All fishers will be removed from Australia by the ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.
“AFMA and Maritime Border Command are absolutely committed to detecting, apprehending and prosecuting those who come to Australia and fish illegally.
“They will lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious legal penalties. It’s not worth the risk.”
“For people considering fishing illegally in Australia, these outcomes show that it’s just not worth it. We will find you, take your catch, destroy your boats and fishing equipment, and you will be prosecuted. Do not put your livelihood at risk by coming to Australia to fish illegally.
“The Australian Border Force will continue to tackle this important issue alongside our partner agencies and the Northern Territory community.”
AFMA and the ABF said they continue targeted operations to intercept illegal foreign fishing and work with the Indonesian Government to address the problem at its source through public information campaigns, educational material, targeted social media campaigns and engagement with fishers.
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected].
