This is a joint media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
Nineteen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. The charges follow apprehension of three foreign fishing vessels by ABF, through Maritime Border Command (MBC), between 19 and 21 May 2026.
The first vessel was detected by aerial surveillance near Croker Island in the Northern Territory and was subsequently intercepted by MBC. Five crew were located on board, along with a trawl net, diving equipment, and 125 kg of salt-commonly used to process sea cucumber and shark fin. No catch was located.
A second vessel was detected in the Torres Strait the following day by aerial surveillance and subsequently intercepted by MBC, with seven crew located on board.
The third vessel, also carrying seven crew, was reported by members of the public near the Wessel Islands, Northern Territory and was subsequently intercepted by MBC.
No catch was located aboard the second and third vessels, with all three being seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law. The crews were transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA.
All nineteen crew members were charged and pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) and Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 at Darwin Local Court.
The masters of each vessel were sentenced to three-year good behaviour bonds. Eleven crew, identified as first-time offenders, each received 12-month good behaviour bonds.
Five of the crew were identified as repeat offenders, having previously been apprehended in Australian waters. These individuals received penalties ranging from three-year good behaviour bonds to four months imprisonment, suspended after serving one month.
There have been 209 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, undertakes targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect the sustainability of Australia’s fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work closely with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source. This includes delivery of public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns and proactive engagement with fishers.
Quotes attributable to AFMA’s General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst
“Australia is serious about protecting our waters from illegal fishing. Those caught will face significant penalties including seizure of catch, equipment and vessel, along with prosecution and possible imprisonment. AFMA and Maritime Border Command work closely stop illegal fishing in Australian waters, safeguarding our precious marine resources for future generations.”
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Nicole Papathanasiou:
“Illegal foreign fishers should be under no illusion about the consequences of entering Australian waters – you will be detected and disrupted, and you will face enforcement action under Australian law.”
“Supported by our strong and coordinated partnership with AFMA, ABF officers continue to take proactive and decisive action, disrupting illegal foreign fishing at every opportunity.”
