Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted a foreign fishing vessel and apprehended seven crew members for allegedly fishing illegally in waters off the Northern Territory (NT).
Bawinanga Rangers originally sighted the craft near Maningrida and reported it to ABF via Border Watch.
Under Operation Lunar, ABF promptly directed ABF Cape-Class Patrol Boat Cape York and a helicopter into the area, collecting a Bawinanga Ranger to assist with the search.
ABFC Cape York found and intercepted the fishers near the remote NT community on Friday, 6 June 2025.
Officers boarded the vessel and seized 750kg of sea cucumber, 30kg of salt used to preserve catch, and fishing equipment.
In consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and after consideration of the operational circumstances, the vessel was apprehended and seven Indonesian fishers detained.
Authorities destroyed the vessel at sea in accordance with Australian law.
The fishers have been brought to Darwin to be investigated by AFMA for alleged offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
Op LUNAR Commander Tracie Griffin thanked the Bawinanga Rangers for reporting the sighting and encouraged others in the community to continue to report suspicious information.
"With 10,000km of coastline and more than 800 islands in the NT to protect - vast amounts of which are situated in very remote areas - we are not naive enough to suggest that we can be everywhere at any one time. This is why members of the public, and particularly Indigenous communities and ranger groups, are important as extra eyes and ears," Commander Griffin said.
"The unique and detailed knowledge that Indigenous ranger groups and Traditional Owners and Custodians possess about Country is invaluable in supporting our efforts to protect our borders. I urge all those with information to continue to report it through Border Watch."
Northern Land Council (NLC) Chair Matthew Ryan said the sighting and apprehension were a credit to the ranger groups and ABF working together to protect Country.
"Aboriginal Rangers are on the frontline of this issue. They are the eyes and ears on the ground, protecting our precious Sea Country," Mr Ryan said.
"It's why it is critical these groups are funded and resourced with the right equipment to continue this important work.
"The collaboration between rangers and the ABF is fantastic to see, and I hope the partnership continues well into the future."
Established in December 2024 to combat increased illegal foreign fishing in waters off the NT, Operation LUNAR involves enhancing capabilities in the air, on water and along the coastline.
Information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders can be provided to Border Watch online.
You help protect Australia's border and the community by reporting suspicious activities.
