- Six Indonesian fishing boats apprehended by Australian Border Force
- .Fifteen fishermen detained and quarantined in Darwin, awaiting repatriation.
- Equipment and vessels seized, pending legal disposal and potential prosecution
Australian authorities recently apprehended six Indonesian fishing boats involved in illegal fishing activities within Australian waters. The arrests, conducted by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in collaboration with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), occurred in June and involved boats from Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Merauke.
The ABF’s rigorous enforcement actions underline Australia’s commitment to protecting its marine resources. The detained fishermen, who are currently quarantined in Darwin, were found fishing near Deliverance Island.
Indonesian Fishermen Detained in Australian Waters
In a series of operations in June, the Australian Border Force (ABF) seized six Indonesian fishing boats engaged in illegal fishing activities. The operations, conducted alongside the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), targeted fishing near Deliverance Island. Fifteen crew members from Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Merauke were detained and are currently in quarantine in Darwin, Northern Territory.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Darwin has been assisting the detained fishermen. Of the six cases, five have been resolved, and the fishermen have been repatriated. However, one case is still pending due to incomplete travel documentation. The Australian authorities are ensuring the swift processing of these documents to facilitate the fishermen’s return.
The confiscated fishing vessels and equipment, crucial to the illegal operations, have been seized and are set for legal disposal. Rear Admiral Brett Sonter of the ABF emphasized the stringent measures in place to combat illegal fishing, highlighting the potential consequences for offenders, including vessel loss and prosecution. This underscores the Australian government’s commitment to safeguarding its marine environment.
Efforts to prevent illegal fishing extend beyond immediate enforcement, with ongoing collaboration between the ABF and AFMA. The Australian government is focused on strong deterrence, utilizing air, sea, and land assets to monitor and protect its waters. This multi-layered approach aims to ensure the sustainability of Australia’s valuable fish stocks against the threat of illegal fishing activities.
The recent crackdown on illegal fishing by the Australian authorities serves as a significant deterrent, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to preserving its marine resources. These actions demonstrate the serious repercussions for illegal fishing operations and the ongoing efforts to uphold maritime laws and environmental conservation.
“If you fish illegally, you will lose your vessel, your equipment and you will be placed in immigration detention to face potential prosecution in Australian courts.” – Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, ABF
