Joint media release from Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Australian Border Force and Parks Australia
Attempting to plunder Australian marine resources will result in severe consequences, fifteen Vietnamese fishers found out yesterday when they were found guilty for illegal fishing in Australian waters.
The crew and vessel were apprehended on 15 February 2017 for illegally fishing near Saumarez Reef in the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve, approximately 170 nautical miles north east off Gladstone.
Appearing before the Darwin Magistrates Court, 14 crew members each received a four month suspended jail sentence and a three year good behaviour bond, while the master received a seven month suspended sentence in addition to the good behaviour bond. Their vessel has been confiscated and destroyed.
Yesterday’s conviction was a result of collaboration between the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force within the Australian Border Force (ABF), and Parks Australia to conduct the apprehension and prosecute the subsequent court case.
Consequently, the fishers have been found guilty of criminal offences committed against Australian fisheries and environmental laws.
AFMA’s General Manager Operations, Peter Venslovas, said that as Australia’s fish resources are well managed and sustainable, they are a target for illegal operators, but there is no need for alarm.
“Since 1 July 2016, 12 foreign vessels have been apprehended for illegally fishing in Commonwealth fisheries, however this is significantly down from the figures of 300 plus in the mid-2000s,” Mr Venslovas said.
“AFMA, together with other Australian government agencies, like ABF and Parks Australia, will continue to remain on alert and take action against suspected illegal fishing activity.”
MBC’s Acting Commander, Stephen Alexander, praised the work of all agencies involved; particularly the crew of HMAS Bathurst and ABF Cutter Storm Bay, who are continually patrolling the outer areas of the north-east Exclusive Economic Zone including Mellish, Saumarez and Lihou Reefs. Both vessels assisted in the apprehension.
“This second successful prosecution of those looking to profit off our unique marine environment sends a strong message to others who may seek to do the same,” Acting Commander MBC Alexander said.
Parks Australia Manager for Marine Parks Compliance, Scott Clementz, said severe penalties were needed to deter activities that harmed Australia’s marine habitats.
“It’s important that strong measures are taken to ensure the health of our oceans for current and future generations,” Mr Clementz said.
“Parks Australia welcomes these convictions and the message they send to others considering illegal activities in our waters. We’ll continue to work with our partners to pursue those who break the rules in order to protect our marine parks.”
More information on how Australia is working to combat illegal fishing can be found at afma.gov.au