This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Fourteen (14) Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. The charges followed apprehension of two foreign fishing vessels by Australian authorities attached to Maritime Border Command (MBC) during September 2026.
The first fishing vessel was detected and intercepted north of Cape Wessel, Northern Territory, on 9 September 2026. Six crew were on board, along with 70 kilograms of flying fish roe, 135 aggregation devices used to harvest the roe and 30 kilograms of dried fish.
The second fishing vessel was detected in the Torres Strait by aerial surveillance and subsequently intercepted under Operation BROADSTAFF. Eight crew members were on board, along with 600 kilograms of shark, 500 kilograms of reef fish and 4000 metres of fishing net.
Both fishing vessels were seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law. The detained crew were transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
All fourteen (14) crew members were charged and pleaded guilty in Darwin Local Court on 29 September 2026. The six-crew interdicted north of Cape Wessel were convicted of offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth), while the eight-crew interdicted in the Torres Strait were convicted of offences under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 (Cth). The first vessel master was sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond (GBB). The second vessel master, had previous similar fisheries offending in Australian waters, was fined $5,000. The remaining 12 crew members all received one-year GBBs.
There have been 20 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2026.
AFMA and the Australian Border Force remind foreign fishers that illegal fishing in Australian waters is a serious offence and can result in significant penalties, including prosecution, fines, forfeiture of catch and equipment, and the destruction of their fishing vessels
Quotes attributable to AFMA’s a/g General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Brendan Rayner
“Australia works hard to ensure that the sustainability of our fisheries and illegal foreign fishing undermines these efforts. It will not be tolerated. Those caught fishing unlawfully in Australian waters can face prosecution, significant penalties, and the loss of their catch, fishing equipment and vessel. AFMA continues to work closely with Maritime Border Command to protect Australia’s marine resources for future generations.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Ranjeev Maharaj:
“Illegal foreign fishers should be under no illusion about the consequences of entering Australian waters – you will be found, you will be stopped, and you will face enforcement action under Australian law.”
“Supported by our strong and coordinated partnership with AFMA, we will continue to take proactive and decisive action, disrupting illegal fishing operations at every opportunity.”
