The Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted another two fishing vessels this month and apprehended 11 foreign fishers as part of an ongoing operation to combat illegal foreign fishing off Australia's northern coastline.
On 19 July 2025, ABF's Maritime Border Command intercepted and boarded a foreign fishing vessel with six crew members on board suspected of illegally fishing near Ashmore Island in the Indian Ocean, and seized 40kg of salt used to preserve any catch.
Four days later (23 July 2025), a second foreign fishing vessel was intercepted and boarded, with five crew members on board who were also suspected of illegally fishing near Adele Island. Officers seized 120kg of salt used to preserve the catch, along with 66 shark fins.
All 11 crew members were detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
Both vessels were seized and safely disposed of in accordance with Australian law.
Australia implements a multi-faceted response to illegal foreign fishing, which includes enforcement actions at sea, targeted operations and coordinated patrols with Indonesia.
From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, the ABF's Maritime Border Command interdicted 298 foreign fishing vessels.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity that may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report it to Border Watch online.
You can help protect Australia's border and the community by reporting suspicious activities.
