Nineteen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegal fishing in Australian waters, with sentences handed down in five separate matters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 30 September.
The first four cases stemmed from interceptions in the Northern Territory between 7 and 11 September. Authorities seized 1,200 kg of sea cucumber, more than two tonnes of salt used to process catches, and a large quantity of fishing equipment. Crews were detained and transported to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The vessels were seized and destroyed at sea under Australian law.
All defendants admitted offences under the Commonwealth’s Fisheries Management Act 1991.
One vessel master, who had been on a good behaviour bond for similar offending, was resentenced to one month’s imprisonment for breaching that undertaking. In relation to the current offending, he received two additional one‑month jail terms, to be served concurrently, and a $5,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for two years.
Another master received a $6,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for three years. The masters of the remaining two vessels each received $5,000 recognisance orders to be of good behaviour for two years.
Of the remaining 14 crew members: five were given $4,000 recognisance orders to be of good behaviour for two years; three received $3,000 recognisance orders to be of good behaviour for three years; and six received $2,000 recognisance orders to be of good behaviour for two years.
The fifth matter related to an interception near Rowley Shoals, Western Australia, on 8 August. Charges against two crew members were dealt with on 3 September. The vessel’s master pleaded guilty to offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 and received a $5,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for three years. He is currently serving a three‑month prison term over unpaid fines from previous similar offending.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and returned to Indonesia after serving any custodial sentences. Since 1 July, 58 Indonesian fishers have been prosecuted in Darwin Local Court.
AFMA, working with ABF and Maritime Border Command, conducts targeted patrols and enforcement operations to deter and disrupt illegal fishing, and collaborates with Indonesian authorities on education and outreach in fishing communities.
“Fishers coming to Australia to fish illegally continue to take significant risks. They will lose their catch, fishing gear, vessel and potentially face serious penalties including jail time.”
“AFMA and our partners at Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute those who fish illegally in Australian waters.”
“Our patrols and intelligence systems are active every day across Australia’s north. The message to illegal foreign fishers is clear: do not risk your livelihood by coming to Australia to fish illegally.”
Authorities encourage reports of suspected illegal fishing via CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or by email to [email protected].
