This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Eight Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 2 September and Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
The first matter arose from an incident on 9 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Heywood Shoal.
ABF seized 10 kg of fish, 100 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and various fishing equipment including diving gear and an air compressor. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Seven fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was fined $4,000. One crew member was fined $3,000 after being identified as a recidivist and found to be in breach of a good behaviour undertaking arising from previous similar offending.
Both fines are payable within 28 days, with potential terms of imprisonment in the event of default.
The remaining five crew each received a $500 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of 2 years.
The second matter arose from an incident on 8 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Rowley Shoals.
ABF seized 150 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch and various fishing equipment including diving gear. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Two fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
One crew member received a $1,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years. The case against the remaining crew member was adjourned until 16 September 2025.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
The presence of illegal foreign fishing continues to undermine Australia's sustainable fisheries management and border security. AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations.
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:
"AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute those who fish illegally in Australian waters."
"Offenders stand to lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious penalties."
Quotes attributable to Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter:
"For people considering fishing illegally in Australia, our message is clear. We will find you, take your catch, destroy your boats and fishing equipment, and you will be prosecuted. Do not put your livelihood at risk by coming to Australia to fish illegally."
