Australian patrol boat ‘HMAS Broome’ intercepted a foreign fishing vessel ‘Berkah’ 3.1nm south of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone on 16 December 2015.
A search revealed there was fresh catch on board with approximately 200kg of fresh and 200kg of frozen fish uncovered. The vessel had the capacity to take large commercial quantities of catch from Australian waters, with fish holds containing ice to keep the fish fresh for sale.
The vessel was apprehended as it was not authorised to fish in Australian waters. The master, Mr Wahyudi, attended the Darwin Magistrates Court on 15 January 2016 and pleaded guilty to being in charge of the unlicensed vessel. He received a $7,500 fine and the vessel has been destroyed.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) acting general manager of operations, Kerry Smith, said the conviction is a warning to those seeking to illegally plunder Australian marine resources.
“If you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and face the harsh penalties for illegal fishing,” Ms Smith said.
