Eight Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegal fishing in Australian waters in separate cases heard at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 2 September and Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
The first case stemmed from a 9 August interception near Heywood Shoal, where authorities boarded an Indonesian vessel found fishing unlawfully. Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) seized 10 kg of fish, 100 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and fishing equipment including diving gear and an air compressor. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The boat was seized and destroyed at sea under Australian law.
Seven fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master was fined $4,000, while one crewman — identified as a recidivist and found to be in breach of a good behaviour undertaking for similar past offending — was fined $3,000. Both fines are payable within 28 days, with potential terms of imprisonment if unpaid. The remaining five crew received $500 recognisance orders to be of good behaviour for two years.
The second matter followed an 8 August operation near Rowley Shoals. ABF officers seized 150 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and various fishing equipment, including diving gear. The crew were taken to Darwin for AFMA investigation, and the vessel was also destroyed at sea. Two fishers were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth); one received a $1,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for three years, while the case against the second crew member was adjourned until 16 September 2025.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
AFMA said illegal foreign fishing continues to undermine Australia’s sustainable fisheries management and border security, and that targeted operations with ABF would continue. AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst, said: “AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute those who fish illegally in Australian waters.” He added: “Offenders stand to lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious penalties.”
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, warned: “For people considering fishing illegally in Australia, our message is clear. 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.”
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected].
