Two foreign fishing vessels intercepted in the Torres Strait last week have been destroyed at sea by the Australian Border Force (ABF), sending a clear warning to illegal fishers their activities will not be tolerated.
The vessels were among four foreign boats intercepted by the ABF on 24 January 2026 for suspected illegal fishing, following reports from the Torres Strait community.
After a thorough assessment and consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), two of the vessels and all crews were escorted back to Indonesian waters. The remaining two vessels were seized and have since been safely destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
The boat burnings come as the ABF confirms a 40 per cent increase in destruction of vessels seized across northern Australia this financial year, compared to the same time last year, as part of a strong deterrence strategy to combat illegal foreign fishing.
The ABF, through Maritime Border Command (MBC), is part of a multi-agency effort to protect local fisheries, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of northern Australian residents who depend on healthy waters.
MBC Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said illegal foreign fishers should be under no illusion about the ABF's resolve.
"Australia does not tolerate illegal foreign fishing," Acting Deputy Commander Dewar said.
"Our officers are on the water, in the skies and on the ground in the communities every day, committed to protecting northern Australia, including the Torres Strait and Far North Queensland.
"Our message is clear. If you cross into Australian waters to fish illegally - you will be detected and intercepted. You risk losing your catch, your equipment, your vessel, and potentially your freedom, with prosecution in Australian courts also likely."
ABF applies a multi-faceted, layered enforcement approach across northern Australia, using a combination of surveillance options available to them through partner agencies such as the Australian Defence Force. This approach includes surveillance aircraft, fixed and rotary wing assets, patrol vessels, fast response boats and, critically, information from local communities with intricate regional knowledge to ensure continued awareness for activities occurring within Australia's maritime domain.
Recent operations have shown community reporting remains one of the most effective tools in helping to detect illegal foreign fishing, particularly across Australia's remote coastal areas.
On 14 January 2025, ABFC Storm Bay intercepted an Indonesian vessel off Roko Island in Far North Queensland following reports from the community.
The interception occurred before the Indonesian crew had a chance to fish and cause damage to Australia's fishing resources.
After thorough assessment of the circumstances, including consultation with AFMA, the ABF escorted the vessel and crew out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.
Illegal foreign fishing activity increased since the end of COVID, driven by depleted fish stocks and economic pressures in the region. In response, focused ABF operations have turned the tide.
Acting Deputy Commander Dewar said that while much of the ABF's work occurs well beyond the horizon and in remote areas far from population centres, it is having an effect on incidents of illegal foreign fishing.
"Our work often takes place in remote locations so you may not always see us," she said. "But rest assured, we are out there every day, and we take every report from the community seriously. It's not just what you see, it's what you don't see."
Anyone with information about suspicious maritime activity is urged to contact Border Watch.
