As international demand for species such as bêche-de-mer increases, the ongoing presence of Maritime Border Command (MBC) in collaboration with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) continues to pay off in the Torres Strait region.
On Tuesday 21 June, another Papua New Guinea (PNG) fishing vessel was apprehended for suspected illegal fishing activity inside the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ).
A MBC helicopter spotted the vessel aground on Warrior Reef and several people were seen scouring the reef.
ABF Cutter Storm Bay apprehended the vessel and eight PNG fishermen along with a spear gun, collection bags, goggles, fins, approximately 100 kilograms of bêche-de-mer and two shark fins.
The eight fishermen were detained for suspected fishing offences and transferred to PNG National Fisheries Authority officials for further investigation.
Their vessel and fishing equipment has been confiscated by AFMA.
More information on how Australia is working to combat illegal fishing is available at afma.gov.au