This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Seven Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to fishing illegally in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
The matters arose from an incident on 7 March 2026 where ABF, operating under Operation Broadstaff, identified and intercepted two Indonesian fishing vessels near Trochus Island, Cape York.
ABF seized a variety of fishing equipment and combined total of 1,650 kg salt (used to preserve catch). The vessels were seized, and the crew detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
The crew members pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The masters of both vessels were identified as having been previously apprehended in Australian waters.
The master of the first vessel was convicted and given a two-year good behaviour bond, while the second master received a fine of $1,000 and six weeks imprisonment, suspended immediately.
One of the detained crew members had an outstanding warrant for previous offending (an unpaid fine), which resulted in him serving a ten-day period of imprisonment. The remaining five crew received sentences ranging from $1,000 fines to two-year good behaviour bonds.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia upon completion of their sentences.
There have been 160 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, continues to conduct targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect Australia's fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source. This is delivered through 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
"Illegal foreign fishing continues to threaten the sustainability of our precious fish stocks, and will not be tolerated."
"Any foreign national caught fishing unlawfully in Australian waters will be subject to serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, vessel and potential imprisonment."
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Brooke Dewar
"Protecting Australia's maritime borders includes preventing unlawful fishing activity that undermines fisheries management and environmental sustainability."
"ABF operates in close partnership with AFMA and regional counterparts to address illegal fishing both at sea and through cooperative international efforts."
"These sentences reflect the seriousness with which Australia treats illegal foreign fishing and the impact it has on our maritime interests."
