In a two-week operation coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing earlier this month, a joint operation has cracked down Indonesian vessels fishing in Australian waters.
Operation Jawline was co-ordinated by Maritime Border Command (MBC) within the Australian Border Force (ABF), with close involvement from Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
Three ABF Cape class patrol boats monitored an area in the vicinity of Ashmore Islands, Cartier Islet and Scott Reef, more than 800 kilometres west of Darwin, intercepting 19 Indonesian fishing vessels over the period in May.
Approximately 860kg of trepang (sea cucumber) was seized and 105kg of fresh fish product, along with fishing equipment, navigation aids and fuel.
Three of the vessels were seized and disposed of at sea, with their crew transferred to other vessels before being escorted outside of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“It’s true that here in Australia, illegal foreign fishing attempts have decreased in recent years thanks to a strong presence and action from government agencies, however this operation proves the threat of illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters remains,” said MBC Commander, Rear Admiral Mark Hill.
“We are committed to protecting Australia’s maritime domain from a range of potential threats, including illegal attempts to fish in our marine parks,” Rear Admiral Hill said.
