Australian Border Force (ABF) has destroyed seven foreign vessels and detained the crews after they were allegedly caught fishing illegally in waters off northern Australia, as part of its mission to ensure Australia's maritime borders remain secure and sustainable.
Authorities seized a combined total of 1,930kg of sea cucumber, 2,844kg of other catch as well as assorted fishing equipment.
All vessels have been safely destroyed in accordance with Australian law and the crews brought to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
Details of the vessel seizures include the following:
On 15 September 2025, authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally in waters off Port Essington, Northern Territory. Officers seized 265kg of sea cucumber, 6kg of other species, 50kg of salt used to preserve catch and other fishing equipment.
On 19 September 2025, ABF officers intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally in Junction Bay, NT. Authorities seized 800kg of sea cucumber, 150kg of salt used to preserve catch and other fishing equipment.
On 27 September 2025, authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally off Cassini Island in the Kimberley Marine Park, Western Australia. Authorities seized 500kg of sea cucumber, 90kg of salt used to preserve catch and other fishing equipment.
On 28 September 2025, ABF officers intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally in waters off West Arnhem, NT. Authorities seized 350kg of sea cucumber and other fishing equipment.
On 30 September and 1 October 2025, authorities intercepted two Indonesian vessels allegedly fishing illegally near the Sahul Banks in Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone. A combined 2,838kg of fish species, 140 shark fins, 690kg of salt used to preserve catch and other fishing equipment was seized from the vessels.
On 7 October 2025, ABF officers intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally off Augustus Island in the Kimberley Marine Park, WA. Authorities seized 15kg of sea cucumber.
Australia is home to one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world. ABF adjusts and monitors its posture through an intelligence-led, risk-based approach to protect Australia's border.
The ABF takes every report of suspected illegal fishing seriously. Anyone with information about suspicious activities is urged to contact www.borderwatch.gov.au
You help protect Australia's border and the community by reporting suspicious activities.
