Border Protection Command (BPC) in partnership with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), have apprehended two foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegally fishing in Australian waters approximately 170 nautical miles north-west of Darwin.
The two vessels, with a total of fourteen crew members, were intercepted on Sunday, 23 November by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service Vessel (ACV) Dame Roma Mitchell, under the coordination of BPC.
Approximately 45 kilograms of dried fish, 10 kilograms of fresh and six live fish from the vessels together with fishing equipment, such as fishing lines and diving equipment were also seized.
Commander BPC, Rear Admiral Michael Noonan, commended the efforts of the officers involved in the apprehension.
“Illegal fishing poses a threat to Australian fish stocks and Australia’s economy. Border Protection Command is committed to the protection of Australia’s precious marine life through an active patrolling program and enforcement of Australia’s laws,” Rear Admiral Noonan said.
AFMA’s Acting General Manager of Operations, Mr John Andersen, agreed and reinforced AFMA’s strong commitment to combat illegal fishing activity with BPC.
“AFMA takes illegal fishing very seriously,” Mr Andersen said.
“Illegal fishing activity undermines the integrity of management measures in place to ensure fish stocks are harvested sustainably, the fishing industry remains viable and equally importantly, that fish resources will be there for current and future generations of Australians to enjoy.”
One of the vessels was disposed of at sea as it was unseaworthy, while the second one will be brought into Darwin with the fourteen crew members and handed over to AFMA for further investigation into these incidents.
Media enquiries:
ACBPS Media 02 6264 2244
AFMA Media 02 6225 5541