Joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Australian Border Force
Six Indonesian illegal fishers faced Darwin Local Court last week where they pleaded guilty to offences of attempting to steal a haul of trochus shell (sea snail).
The crew received a range of immediate jail sentences and fines. The master incurred a $6 000 fine and two repeat offenders received the harshest consequences of immediate jail time along with fines of $3 500 each. The other three crew received fines of $2 000.
The vessel was destroyed at sea after being apprehended on 27 April 2017 in Australian waters near Browse Island in the Timor Sea by Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force within the Australian Border Force (ABF), and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
AFMA’s General Manager of Operations, Peter Venslovas, said Tuesday’s outcome further demonstrates Australia’s strong stance on those attempting to pillage Australia’s premium fish stocks.
“Australia’s fisheries are very well managed, we have strict rules and regulations in place with decisions based on the best available science to protect stocks and ensure their sustainability, Australia’s premium fisheries are a target for illegal foreign operators,” Mr Venslovas said.
“Our whole-of-government approach, including in-country capacity building, is proving to be a strong deterrent for those seeking to take advantage of Australia’s fisheries. There have only been 15 apprehensions in Australian waters since 1 July 2016, significantly down from the hundreds caught in the mid-2000s.”
Commander MBC, Rear Admiral Peter Laver agreed.
“Every day our people are doing fantastic work protecting Australia’s maritime domain,” Rear Admiral Laver said.
“MBC is fully committed to supporting whole-of-government efforts protecting Australia’s natural resources, including its fisheries.
“These outcomes are welcomed and should serve as warning to other potential illegal fishing ventures. We will catch you, we will prosecute you, and you could lose your boat and your livelihood.”