Eleven Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters, following two interceptions off the Western Australian coast in July. The cases were finalised in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
The first case stemmed from a 19 July operation near Ashmore Island, where authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly operating illegally. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers seized 40 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and fishing equipment including a 300‑metre longline. Six crew were detained and taken to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
All six were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master was fined $6,000, one recidivist crew member received a $2,000 fine, and the remaining four crew were each fined $1,500. Fines in this matter totalled $14,000.
The second case followed a 23 July interception near Adele Island, Western Australia. ABF officers seized 66 shark fins, 120 kg of salt and various fishing gear. Five crew were detained and transferred to Darwin for AFMA investigation. The vessel was also seized and destroyed at sea.
All five faced charges under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). One crew member was taken into custody to serve a period of imprisonment after an outstanding warrant for similar previous offending was executed; he was fined an additional $10,000 on the current matter. The master was fined $9,000, another recidivist crew member was fined $3,000, and the remaining two crew were each fined $1,500. Fines in this matter totalled $25,000.
Across both incidents, fines amounted to $39,000. All penalties are payable within 28 days and carry potential terms of imprisonment if unpaid. 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 protection. The agency, working with ABF, is conducting targeted operations to disrupt illegal activity and collaborates with the Indonesian Government through public information efforts, educational materials, social media campaigns and direct engagement with fishers.
AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst, said: “Illegal foreign fishing poses a significant threat to Australia’s well-managed fisheries and our marine environment.” He added: “AFMA and our partner agencies remain absolutely committed to detecting, apprehending and prosecuting those who fish illegally in Australian waters.” He warned: “Those who choose to fish illegally in Australian waters face serious legal penalties, including potential jail time. They also risk losing their vessel and fishing gear. It is not worth the risk.”
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, said: “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 to authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected].
