Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have seized and destroyed five vessels and detained their crews as part of ongoing operations to combat illegal foreign fishing off Australia's northern coastline.
Authorities seized a combined total of 1,465kg of sea cucumber, 6kg of other catch and assorted fishing equipment.
All five vessels have been safely destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law and the crews brought to Darwin to face investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) for offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
Details of apprehensions:
- On 7 September 2025, authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally in Australian waters. ABF officers seized 1,000kg of salt, which is used to preserve catch. The apprehension occurred before the crew had a chance to fish and cause damage to Australia's fishing resources.
- On 10 September 2025, authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally off the Wessel Islands in the Northern Territory. ABF officers seized 1,200kg of sea cucumber and other fishing equipment.
- On 10 September 2025 authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally off the Wessel Islands in the Northern Territory. ABF officers seized 500kg of salt, which is used to preserve catch. The apprehension occurred before the crew had a chance to fish and cause damage to Australia's fishing resources.
- On 11 September 2025, authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally off Money Shoal in waters off the Northern Territory. Authorities seized 800kg of salt, which is used to preserve catch. The apprehension occurred before the crew had a chance to fish and cause damage to Australia's fishing resources.
- On 15 September 2025, authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel allegedly fishing illegally off the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory. Authorities seized 265kg of sea cucumber, 6kg of other species and other fishing equipment.
Illegal foreign fishing threatens fish stocks and damages fragile marine environments along Australia's coast. The practice also breaches Australia's maritime sovereignty and puts crews at risk in unsafe vessels.
Australia's message to foreign fishers is clear: do not risk your livelihood by coming to Australia to fish illegally. When caught, you will lose your catch, you will lose your boat, and you will likely face fines or jail time.
The ABF takes every report of suspected illegal fishing seriously. Anyone with information about suspicious activities is urged to contact www.borderwatch.gov.au
By reporting these activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
