Imagery of a suspected foreign fishing vessel detected west of Darwin by an Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Dash-8 surveillance aircraft on Monday, 21 April 2014.
Joint media release with Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Border Protection Command (BPC), working closely with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), has apprehended a foreign fishing vessel approximately 275 nautical miles West of Darwin suspected of illegally fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone.
The vessel was initially detected by an Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Dash-8 surveillance aircraft and intercepted on Monday, 21 April 2014 by ACV Botany Bay, under the coordination of BPC.
The vessel was boarded by BPC-assigned personnel, and was found to have fishing lines deployed and over 500kg of fish on board.
Commander BPC, Rear Admiral Michael Noonan, said the apprehension was the result of strong cooperation between BPC and AFMA to protect Australia’s maritime resources, including fish stocks.
“Border Protection Command will continue to take action alongside our partners to protect our precious marine resources from the threat of illegal foreign fishing,” Rear Admiral Noonan said.
AFMA General Manager Operations, Peter Venslovas, said that regular patrols of Australia’s maritime borders are a strong deterrent to illegal foreign fishers with the amount of illegal fishing decreasing significantly over the years.
“These vessels had the potential to take tonnes of fisheries product and inflict damage to marine ecosystems. The apprehension sends a strong message to other potential offenders that you will be caught if you fish illegally for Australian resources and you will face prosecution and have your fishing vessel confiscated.”
The vessel will be towed to Darwin by HMAS Melville where it will be inspected by AFMA and Biosecurity officials.
AFMA will further investigate the activities of the vessel and may lay charges against the master and crew.
Media enquiries:
ACBPS Media (02) 6275 6793
AFMA Media (02) 6225 5576