This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Four Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in two separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Monday, 22 September 2025.
The first matter arose from an incident on 28 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Jabiru Shoals off the Western Australian coast.
ABF seized 140 kg of fish and various fishing equipment. 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.
The master of the vessel was charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). He pleaded guilty and received a $1,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
The second matter arose from an incident on 28 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory.
ABF seized 100 kg of sea cucumber, 500 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and various 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.
This case resumed after being adjourned on 16 September 2025. Four matters were initially dealt with that day. An additional three matters were heard on 22 September 2025 relating to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The master of the vessel was subject to a good behaviour bond imposed for previous similar offending. The current matters breached that undertaking and he was re-sentenced to one month imprisonment. Additionally, he was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment on the current charges. Both sentences are to be served concurrently, with time in custody backdated to the date of apprehension on 27 August 2025.
Another crew member was serving a period of imprisonment following execution of a warrant for non-payment of a fine relating to previous similar offending. On the current matter he received a six-week term of imprisonment to be served concurrently, with time in custody backdated to the date of apprehension on 27 August 2025.
The remaining crew member was sentenced to a six-week period of imprisonment, with time in custody backdated to the date of apprehension on 27 August 2025. The immediate custodial term to serve is 27 days with the remainder suspended. In addition, he received a $1,000 recognisance order to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia after having served relevant periods of imprisonment.
There have been 39 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to ensure 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:
"Fishers coming to Australia to fish illegally continue to take significant risks. They risk losing their catch, fishing gear, vessel and face serious penalties including jail time."
"AFMA and our partners at Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute those who fish illegally in Australian waters."
Quotes attributable to Acting Commander Maritime Border Command, Linda Cappello:
"The ABF and our partners are actively patrolling our maritime border, and we will catch those who attempt illegal activities within Australian waters. Australia does not tolerate illegal foreign fishing, and offenders will face serious consequences, including jail time."
