Eighteen Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
One matter arose from an incident where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally on 11 May 2025, near Croker Island, Northern Territory.
Two additional matters arose from separate incidents where AFMA and ABF officers identified, intercepted and apprehended Indonesian vessels fishing illegally on 12 May 2025, near the Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory.
Authorities seized more than 900 kg of sea cucumber (with a market value up to $90,000) and a range of fishing equipment.
The crews were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The three fishing vessels were seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Eighteen fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of one vessel had prior findings of guilt for similar offending in 2007 and was fined $10,000. The masters of the remaining two vessels were each fined $8,000. The remaining crew were each fined $4,000.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.
There have been 212 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.
Illegal foreign fishing continues to undermine Australia's efforts to protect our precious marine resources and ensure sustainable fisheries. AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to target illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters.
Australian authorities are also using additional measures to combat illegal fishing at its source, including the delivery of public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
