Joint media release Department of Immigration and Border Protection and Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Maritime Border Command (MBC) within the Australian Border Force (ABF) together with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) apprehended a Vietnamese fishing vessel on Thursday 3 November 2016 near the Saumarez Reefs; about 180 nautical miles (nm) north east of Gladstone, Queensland. An MBC surveillance aircraft spotted the vessel approximately 200nm inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.
HMAS Maitland was tasked to respond, with Australian Defence Force personnel locating and boarding the vessel on Thursday 3 November 2016.
Approximately 2 tonnes of bêche-de-mer (sea cucumbers) was found on board, along with navigation and fishing equipment. The 16 Vietnamese crew members on board the vessel were apprehended in accordance with their contravention of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s (AFMA)Fisheries Management Act 1991.
As the boat was being brought back to Cairns a fire broke out in the engine room. The HMAS Maitland crew worked quickly to evacuate the Vietnamese fishers onto the Australian ship.
“This apprehension is a testament to the ongoing commitment from Australian government agencies, to protect Australia’s unique maritime environment and the sustainability of our marine resources,” Rear Admiral Peter Laver said.
“Our officers protect Australia’s maritime domain from threats every single day, with surveillance and response capabilities to ensure our fisheries, as an important economic and environment resource, are maintained and protected.”
“It is an example of the dangers that some illegal foreign fishers can pose, not only to our unique marine environment, but also to themselves and to our officers.”
AFMA General Manager Fisheries Operations, Peter Venslovas, emphasised the importance of the whole of government approach to protecting our marine resources.
“Illegal fishing undermines the economic and environmental sustainability of Australian fisheries,” Mr Venslovas said.
“The work and collaborative approach of Australian government agencies, often with our international counterparts, is an integral element in deterring illegal foreign fishing vessels and protecting our marine resources.”
Further investigations will now be undertaken by AFMA.
More information on how Australia is working to combat illegal fishing can be found at afma.gov.au.