This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Fourteen (14) Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to fishing illegally in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday 3 March 2026 and Thursday 5 March 2026.
The first matter arose from an incident on 29 January 2026, where Australian authorities identified and intercepted an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, as part of Operation Lunar. This matter was first before the court on 17 February 2026, with 5 of the 6 crew members pleading guilty on that occasion (Six illegal foreign fishers sentenced Darwin court). The remaining case was adjourned until 3 March 2026.
The final crew member pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) and was sentenced to four months imprisonment, backdated to the date of apprehension. That sentence was suspended upon him entering a $2,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years. He is currently serving a 30-day period of imprisonment for unpaid fines related to a previous matter involving illegal fishing in Australian waters.
The second matter arose from an incident on 20 February 2026 where Australian authorities, as part of Operation Broadstaff, identified and intercepted two Indonesian fishing vessels near Albany Island, Cape York Peninsula. The vessels had 6 and 7 crew on board respectively and both were equipped to fish.
The vessels were apprehended, with crews detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessels were destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Seven crew from one vessel pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) on 3 March 2026. The Master and one crew member were each released on $2,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years. The remaining crew members were released on $1,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years. The court acknowledged the fact that these fishers had transited the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ) to arrive at their intercepted location.
The cases for the 6 crew from the other vessel were adjourned until 5 March 2026, at which time they pleaded guilty to offences against the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 (Cth). This crew were previously intercepted on 14 February 2026 near Uluf Island, Queensland, and directed to leave Australian waters. After failing to comply with this direction, they were again intercepted on 20 February 2026. The charges relate to the original offending detected in the TSPZ. The Master was released on a $2,000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years. The remaining crew were released on $1,000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
There have been 146 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to conduct targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect Australia's fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source. This is delivered through public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
Quotes attributable to AFMA's General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst
"Illegal fishing will not be tolerated. Our message is clear, you will be caught and face significant penalties under Australian law."
"Any foreign national caught fishing unlawfully in Australian waters will be subject to facing serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, their vessel and potential imprisonment."
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Brooke Dewar
"The Australian Border Force remains committed to protecting our maritime borders from illegal foreign fishing, our officers are working around the clock to combat this threat"
"Foreign fishing crews will continue to be detained and prosecuted under Australian law as we work with closely with our partner agencies to protect our precious marine resources."
