Indonesian naval vessels KRI Hiu, KRI Kakap and Royal Australian Navy vessels HMAS Huon ( MHC Crew 2) and HMAS Wollongong. Photo Courtesy of Royal Australian Navy
Illegal fishing was the focus of the annual AUSINDO 2013 joint coordinated fisheries patrol between the Australian Defence Force and Indonesian Armed Forces.
The patrols aim to catch foreign fishing vessels targeting marine species within the seabed jurisdiction area – an area north-west of Darwin. Australia has rights over this area, which includes the seabed and any marine animals living on it.
An AFMA officer participated in the patrol on board the HMAS Wollongong, which conducted a total of 20 boardings of foreign fishing vessels.
All vessels boarded were found to be compliant, which is great news for Australia’s marine resources. It also provided an opportunity to further educate the masters and crews about current Australian-Indonesian maritime boundaries and which fishing practices are allowed in the various sea areas.
For more information, please contact Roy Mackay, Senior Fisheries Officer International Compliance Operations on 08 8943 0338 or roy.mackay@afma.gov.au.