The Australian Border Force has intercepted and destroyed two foreign fishing vessels off the coast of Western Australia as part of a crackdown on Indonesian incursions into protected waters of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessels were suspected of illegal fishing activities and were seized by ABF officers. The crews of both vessels, totaling 12 fishermen, were detained and will be transferred to Darwin for further investigation and processing. Penalties for such offenses typically include suspended sentences, deportation, or fines for repeat offenders.
The vessels were found carrying over 400 kilos of cucumber, a common target for illegal artisanal fishing, as well as 360 kilos of salt used to preserve the illicit catch. The boats were disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law, which allows for the destruction of illegal fishing vessels. The ABF has intensified its enforcement efforts in remote regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where border control is challenging due to vast distances and sparse settlement.
The recent increase in Indonesian fishing boat activity, including instances of human smuggling, has prompted the ABF to work closely with local indigenous patrols to identify intruding vessels. The agency is committed to combating illegal fishing in Australian waters and ensuring the protection of marine resources. The detained fishermen may face charges and potential penalties for their actions, highlighting the seriousness of illegal fishing activities in the region.
