Joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Australian Border Force
Two Indonesian men pleaded guilty of illegal fishing offences in the Darwin Local Court after previously pleading not guilty following their apprehension (see Foreign fishing vessel apprehended off the coast of Darwin).
The investigation, led by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) occurred after Maritime Border Command (MBC), a multi-agency task force within the Australian Border Force (ABF), apprehended the crew on 15 March 2017 after they were sighted fishing and hauling live shark on to the deck of the vessel.
The master of the vessel who was identified as a repeat offender, pleaded guilty and received a $15,000 fine on 19 May 2017 after already spending time in jail for failing to pay a fine for a previous offence. The second crew member received a $3000 fine.
This follows the successful conviction of their fellow six crew members in the Darwin Local Court on 16 May 2017.
AFMA’s General Manager Operations, Mr Peter Venslovas, emphasised the seriousness of illegal fishing.
“Australia has strict rules and regulations to help ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for many years to come,” Mr Venslovas said.
“Illegal fishing undermines the very system we have in place to protect our marine resources, and those doing the wrong thing by fishing illegally, will be caught.”
Acting Commander MBC, Commander Jo Crooks, 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 Australia’s waters; ensuring our unique biodiversity is protected,” Commander Crooks said.