Crew members from seven illegal fishing ‘ice-boats’ have received some of the heaviest penalties ever handed down to illegal fishermen in Australia.
The penalties, handed down by the Darwin Supreme Court, include a two year prison sentence for the Master of a boat who tried to evade capture by hurling concrete filled bottles at naval personnel and threatening them with a Samurai sword.
Crew-members from other boats also received prison sentences ranging from 18 months to three months, plus fines of up to $60,000.
The crew were aboard a group of seven Iceboats apprehended on 14 July this year by HMAS DUBBO and HMAS SUCCESS, supported by a Coastwatch surveillance flight.
Following investigations by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, charges ranging from illegal fishing to attempting to evade apprehension and threatening a public official were laid against various crew-members.
Minister for Fisheries Senator Eric Abetz welcomed the penalties.
“I commend the Court for recognising the seriousness of the offences and imposing strong penalties.
“This outcome will send a clear message to illegal fishers that Australia will not tolerate acts of violence.”
Minister for Defence, the Hon Brendan Nelson commended the efforts of the crews from HMAS Dubbo and HMAS Success.
"The importance of the Navy's role should not be underestimated. Members of the Royal Australian Navy show great courage and determination protecting Australia's sovereign waters from foreign fishing vessels. Australia won't sit back and allow our waters to be plundered by foreign fishers", Dr Nelson said.
A further six crew members apprehended during the operation are facing similar charges.
