Four Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
The matter arose from an incident on 13 November 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Cape Wessel.
ABF seized 100 kg of salt, navigation devices and a quantity of fishing equipment. The crew were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Four fishers pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was released on an $800 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of 15 months.
The remaining three crew members were released on $500 recognisance orders to be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
There have been 95 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, undertakes targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect the sustainability of Australia's fisheries resources and border security.
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:
"Australia does not tolerate illegal foreign fishing. Those who come to Australia and fish illegally in Australian waters will lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel."
"AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute illegal foreign fishers."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Linda Cappello:
"ABF officers remain in force and steadfast in their commitment to combatting illegal foreign fishing as storm activity increases across northern Australia and the holiday season approaches."
"The ABF's persistent and enduring presence should stand as a clear message: we are here, we are vigilant, and we are protecting Australia's maritime resources every day of the year."
