Seven Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases heard at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, following interceptions by Australian Border Force (ABF) and investigations by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
The first case stemmed from an interception near Cape Don on 24 August. Authorities seized 500 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, along with a trawl device, diving gear and reef shoes. The crew was detained and taken to Darwin for AFMA inquiries, and the vessel was destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. The boat’s master, who was already subject to a good behaviour undertaking for similar offending in February, was resentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment for the earlier matters, backdated to 24 August. In relation to the current offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth), he pleaded guilty to two charges and received a $3,000 Recognisance Order with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for five years.
In the second case, on 28 August near Jabiru Shoals, ABF seized approximately 100 kg of fish and equipment including hand reels and longline. The crew was detained, the vessel destroyed at sea, and two fishers were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master and a crew member pleaded guilty and each received a $2,000 Recognisance Order with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for three years.
The third case involved another interception on 28 August near Cobourg Peninsula. Officers seized 100 kg of sea cucumber and various fishing equipment, detained the crew and destroyed the vessel at sea. Four fishers were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth), pleaded guilty, and each received a $2,000 Recognisance Order with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for three years.
All those convicted will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia. According to authorities, 35 Indonesian fishers have been prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA and ABF said illegal foreign fishing undermines Australia’s sustainable fisheries management and border security, and that targeted operations to intercept offenders are continuing. Australian authorities also work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source through public information campaigns, educational materials, targeted social media, and direct engagement with fishers.
AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, 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.”
“Offenders stand to lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious penalties.”
Acting Commander Maritime Border Command, Linda Cappello, said: “These outcomes show that fishing illegally in Australian waters is simply not worth the risk. People who attempt to do so will be caught and prosecuted under Australian law. Along with AFMA and our other partners, the ABF continues to successfully combat illegal foreign fishing and protect our maritime border.”
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected].
