Sixteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 11 November and Wednesday, 12 November 2025.
The first matter arose from an incident on 29 October 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Cartier Island.
ABF seized 500 kg of fish, two shark fins, four tonnes of ice, navigation devices and a quantity of fishing equipment including a three-kilometre longline. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Seven fishers pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was fined a total of $15,000. The remaining six crew members received fines ranging from $2,000 to $7,000.
The second matter arose from an incident on 30 October 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Braithwaite Point, Northern Territory, where it was concealed in mangroves and detected by an aerial patrol.
ABF seized 120 kg of sea cucumber, 280 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and a quantity of fishing equipment. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Four fishers pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was sentenced to a one-month term of imprisonment and an additional three-month term of imprisonment. Both sentences were backdated to the date of apprehension and suspended with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 5 years.
The remaining three crew members received fines ranging from $2,000 to $7,000. The third matter arose from an incident on 28 October 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Ashmore Reef.
ABF seized a small quantity of sea cucumber, 50 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and a quantity of fishing equipment including diving gear. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Five fishers pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was taken into custody to serve a 20-day term of imprisonment following the execution of an outstanding warrant for previous similar offending. On the current matter, he was fined a total of $15,000.
The remaining four crew members received fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
All fines are payable within 28 days with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia, after having served a period of imprisonment where applicable.
There have been 91 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, undertakes targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect the sustainability of Australia's fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source, through the delivery of 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:
"Australia does not tolerate illegal foreign fishing. Those who come to Australia and fish illegally in Australian waters will lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel. They will face serious penalties including potential jail time."
"AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute illegal foreign fishers."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Linda Cappello:
"ABF officers remain in force and steadfast in their commitment to combatting illegal foreign fishing as storm activity increases across northern Australia and the holiday season approaches."
"The ABF's persistent and enduring presence should stand as a clear message: we are here, we are vigilant, and we are protecting Australia's maritime resources every day of the year."
"Illegal fishers will get no holiday from enforcement."
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected].
