Sydney, July 15: Nineteen Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters, following three separate incidents in the Northern Territory. The cases were finalised at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted one Indonesian vessel on 22 June in the Cobourg Marine Park and two more near Maningrida on 25 June. All vessels were seized and subsequently destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law.
Authorities recovered 130 kilograms of sea cucumber, 390 kilograms of salt, and various fishing equipment during the operations. The crews were transported to Darwin for investigation and charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The three vessel masters were fined $6,000 each, while 15 crew members were fined $3,500. One crew member with a previous conviction received a $4,000 fine. All fines are payable within 28 days, with imprisonment as a possible consequence for non-payment.
All offenders will be deported and returned to Indonesia at the earliest opportunity.
AFMA, in collaboration with ABF, continues to combat illegal fishing and works with Indonesian authorities through education campaigns aimed at preventing such activities at their source.
Illegal fishing can be reported to CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or via email at intelligence@afma.gov.au.
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