Seven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters in three separate cases at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
The first matter arose from an incident on 24 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Cape Don.
ABF seized 500 kg of salt used to process and preserve catch, and various fishing equipment including a trawl device, diving gear and reef shoes. 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 was the subject of a good behaviour undertaking in place for similar offending committed in February 2025. He was resentenced to six weeks imprisonment on these matters, backdated to commence on 24 August 2025. On the current matters, he was charged with additional offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). He pleaded guilty to two charges and received a $3,000 Recognisance Order with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 5 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 Jabiru Shoals.
ABF seized approximately 100 kg of fish, and various fishing equipment including hand reels and longline. 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.
Two fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The master and a crew member both pleaded guilty, and each received a $2,000 Recognisance Order with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years.
The third matter arose from another incident on 28 August 2025, where Australian authorities identified, intercepted and apprehended an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near Cobourg Peninsula.
ABF seized 100 kg of sea cucumber 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.
Four fishers were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). They pleaded guilty and each received $2,000 Recognisance Orders with an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of 3 years.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia.
There have been 35 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
The presence of illegal foreign fishing continues to undermine Australia's sustainable fisheries management and border security. AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to undertake targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations.
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:
"AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute those who fish illegally in Australian waters."
"Offenders stand to lose their catch, fishing gear and vessel as well as facing serious penalties."
Quotes attributable to Acting Commander Maritime Border Command, Linda Cappello:
"These outcomes show that fishing illegally in Australian waters is simply not worth the risk. People who attempt to do so will be caught and prosecuted under Australian law. Along with AFMA and our other partners, the ABF continues to successfully combat illegal foreign fishing and protect our maritime border."
