On 23 November 2014 AFMA in partnership with Border Protection Command (BPC) apprehended two Indonesian fishing vessels suspected of illegally fishing in Australian waters approximately 170 nautical miles north-west of Darwin.
The two vessels, with a total of fourteen crew members, were intercepted by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Vessel (ACV) Dame Roma Mitchell, under the coordination of BPC.
Approximately 45 kilograms of dried fish, 10 kilograms of fresh and six live fish from the vessels together with fishing equipment, such as fishing lines and diving equipment were also seized.
AFMA undertook subsequent investigations into these matters which revealed that four of the crew members were repeat offenders.
On 11 December 2014, the master and recidivist crew from both vessels were convicted in the Darwin Court of Summary Jurisdiction and were collectively fined a $13 500. One repeat offender was also jailed for 15 days for the non-payment of a fine relating to a previous offence. One of the vessels sank while being towed to Darwin and the other was confiscated and destroyed by AFMA at its vessel disposal facility in Darwin.
Illegal fishing from foreign unlicensed vessels undermines the integrity of management measures in place to ensure fish stocks are harvested sustainably and the viability of the Australian fishing industry. Equally importantly, fish resources will be there for current and future generations of Australians to enjoy.
Suspected illegal fishing should be reported to 1800 CRIMFISH (1800 274 634).