Australia Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing, Indonesian Crew Held

Australia has intensified its crackdown on illegal foreign fishing vessels along its remote western and northern coastlines, resulting in swift prison sentences for offenders. Recently, 16 Indonesian fishermen pleaded guilty to illegal fishing charges in Darwin after being captured in two separate incidents earlier in the month. The first interception took place in Kimberley Marine Park, where the Australian Border Force arrested nine crew members, confiscated their equipment, and sank their boat at sea. The vessel’s master, who had prior convictions for illegal fishing in Australia, received a three-month prison sentence, while another crew member with a history of offenses was also sentenced to jail, and the rest were put on probation.

In a similar incident on December 9 off the coast of Oxley Island, seven crew members were arrested, their gear seized, and their boat destroyed. The master was fined AU$5,000, and the crew members were placed on three years of probation. Those not imprisoned will be promptly deported to Indonesia. These cases mark the 99th Indonesian illegal fishing prosecution in Darwin since July, highlighting the increased enforcement efforts by authorities to combat illegal fishing activities in Australian waters.

Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, emphasized the zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities in Australian waters, warning that offenders risk losing everything from their catch and equipment to their vessels and freedom. The message is clear that illegal fishing will not be tolerated, and those engaging in such activities will face severe consequences. The swift enforcement actions and prison sentences serve as a deterrent to deter future illegal fishing activities in Australian waters.

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