The Maritime Border Command (MBC) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) intercepted a foreign fishing vessel operating illegally in Australian waters.
Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) resources are used by MBC, a multi-agency task force. HMAS Armidale responded on February 21, 2023, and stopped the fishing boat.
The Indonesian fishing boat ALWI JAYA had eight crew members, approximately 250 kilograms of trepang (sea cucumber), 15 shark fins, fish, and fishing gear. The crew, vessel, catch, and fishing gear were all confiscated and hauled into Darwin today.
Rear Admiral Justin Jones, Commander MBC, stated that this concern should send a clear message to foreign ships attempting to take advantage of Australia’s maritime domain.
RADM Jones said to safeguard Australia’s borders and its priceless natural resources, “We will continue to conduct aerial surveillance and sea patrols to discover and intercept illegal fishing operations.”
ABF arrested the crew members upon arrival in Darwin, and AFMA is currently looking into the situation for potential violations of the Fisheries Management Act of 1991.
Wez Norris, Chief Executive Officer of AFMA, emphasized that illegal foreign fishing can have catastrophic effects on marine ecosystems and undermines Australia’s efforts to manage fish resources responsibly.
“The violators risk paying hefty fines and losing their vessel, negatively affecting their ability to support themselves. Also, we are still closely collaborating with Indonesia to address the problem at its root by holding educational workshops outlining the dangers and repercussions of illegal fishing in important Indonesian ports, Mr Norris said.
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