Co-operation between Australian agencies has disrupted illegal foreign fishing activity in the Ashmore Reef Marine Park, approximately 840 kilometres west of Darwin.
In a joint operation between the Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Maritime Border Command (MBC) over a weekend in May, ABF Cutter Cape Nelson intercepted and boarded three Indonesian fishing vessels that were detected undertaking illegal fishing in the Marine Park.
Approximately 179kg of trepang (sea cucumber) and five kilos of fresh fish were located and seized along with forfeited fishing equipment from all three vessels.
One vessel was also seized and disposed of at sea, in accordance with Australian law. The crew were transferred to the two remaining vessels and were escorted past the limits of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
MBC Commander, Rear Admiral Mark Hill, said that while illegal foreign fishing attempts had decreased in recent years thanks to a strong presence and action from Australian government agencies, the operation proves that the threat of illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters remains.
“Across the region, foreign fishing fleets are moving from their usual fishing grounds to explore and exploit new ones,” he said.
“This operation highlights the critical work undertaken by the ABF, AFMA and MBC to protect the Australian maritime border by safeguarding our marine wildlife and natural resources. Our message to unauthorised foreign fishers is simple. We will intercept you, you will lose your catch, your equipment and possibly even your vessel.”
