The Australian Border Force (ABF) has detained a foreign fishing vessel allegedly fishing offshore off the Western Australia coast, as sustained surveillance and enforcement continues across Australia's northern maritime approaches.
It is the third foreign fishing vessel located off WA in the past ten days, after a vessel was detected on 22 September 2026 near Scott Reef and another on 24 September 2026 near Cartier Island.
On Tuesday 29 September 2026, ABFC Cape Byron located the vessel and its crew operating near Scott Reef.
Officers boarded the vessel and identified evidence of suspected fisheries offences, including 100kg of reef fish, 60kg of sea cucumber and one tonne of salt used to preserve catch.
Following advice from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the vessel, catch and fishing equipment were all seized.
The crew were detained and are being transferred to Darwin for further investigations for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The vessel will be safely destroyed in accordance with Australian law and relevant environmental and biosecurity requirements.
ABF Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Natasha O'Farrell said officers remained vigilant and active across Australia's northern coastline to protect Australia's valuable marine environment from illegal foreign fishing.
"Those who seek to illegally fish in Australian waters risk losing their catch, their equipment and their vessels. This third apprehension reinforces that the ABF maintains a persistent presence. We will continue to detect, deter and respond to illegal activity at Australia's borders." Deputy Commander O'Farrell said.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
