New figures out show that illegal fishing in northern Australian waters is significantly down since 2004.
The 2006 figures show:
• A record 365 boats were apprehended and destroyed in 2006, one per day. The previous record was 281 in 2005
• Coastwatch sightings of illegal foreign fishers (IFFs) in northern waters declined by 40 per cent compared to 2005
• Since the May budget, when the Government committed an additional $389M to the fight, sightings of IFFs are down by around 50 per cent compared to the same period last year
• During the traditional peak months of October and November, sightings were down by a massive 1,000
• IFFs coming into the waters were smaller and capable of poaching less fish
“While it is still too early to claim victory, these figures are very encouraging and indicate that the Government’s policy of ‘getting tough’ is working,” Minister for Fisheries and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz said.
“However, we are not resting on our laurels, nor do we accept the battle is won. Significant new initiatives, including the ‘Triton’ mothership, commercial towing of apprehended boats and further co-operative measures with Indonesia are yet to come online.”
