Deterring illegal fishing within Australian waters is imperative to ensuring the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s maritime resources for future generations. On Friday 18 November 2016, two Indonesian illegal foreign fishers appeared before the Darwin Magistrates Court, after being apprehended approximately 175 nautical miles north-west of Darwin on 27 October 2016.
The master of the vessel pleaded guilty to, and was convicted of, two separate offences; receiving a fine of $4000 for each offence. A second crew member is currently in a Northern Territory corrections facility serving a jail sentence for unpaid fines associated with a previous fisheries offence in October 2013. His matter was adjourned and is scheduled to be heard in January 2017.
The vessel was destroyed in Darwin on 4 November 2016 by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
AFMA General Manager Operations, Mr Peter Venslovas, said Friday’s hearing outcomes demonstrate those caught will face penalties.
“Because of Australia’s strict fisheries rules and regulations, together with decisions based on science, Australia’s fisheries are healthy and as such, often are a target for illegal foreign fishers,” Mr Venslovas said.
“To help ensure our commercial fishing industry remains viable and fish stocks continue to be sustainable and enjoyed for many years to come, AFMA works with other Australian Government agencies, to monitor Australian waters and apprehend those trying to plunder our fisheries.”
The Indonesian fishing vessel was first spotted during a surveillance flight by Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force within the Australian Border Force. Australian Defence Force vessel HMAS Maryborough, assigned to MBC, made the apprehension 16 nautical miles inside Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (AEEZ), in cooperation with AFMA.
Commander MBC, Rear Admiral Peter Laver, said these convictions show Australia takes the issue of illegal foreign fishing seriously and those fishing illegally in Australia’s waters will be brought to justice.
“MBC remains vigilant and continues to work with partner agencies to respond to all illegal activities throughout the AEEZ; ensuring our unique biodiversity is protected,” Rear Admiral Laver said.
Officers located about 20 kilograms of fresh sea cucumbers, 12 bags of dried sea cucumbers between 20 and 50 kilograms each, 15 kilograms of fish and one crayfish. Also found on board was diving equipment, a spear gun and several wet suits.
More information on how Australia is working to combat illegal fishing can be found at afma.gov.au.