Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) have successfully intercepted four Indonesian fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities off Augustus Island, Western Australia. This operation underscores Australia’s rigorous approach to combating illegal fishing.
An Australian Defence Vessel (ADV), working with Maritime Border Command (MBC), intercepted the vessels following a tip-off from a local business. The operation revealed 33 adult males involved in illegal fishing in Australia.
MBC, a multi-agency task force that includes resources from ABF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), conducted detailed inspections of the vessels. With guidance from AFMA, they seized over 700 kilograms of sea cucumber, 2,350 kilograms of salt, four kilograms of shark fin, four kilograms of sea urchin, and substantial fishing equipment. Three vessels were destroyed at sea on 8 August 2024, while the fourth was escorted out of Australian waters with 13 crew members. The remaining 20 men will be transferred to the mainland for investigation under the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
This interception is part of Operation Leedstrum, launched in late 2023 to address increasing illegal fishing in Australia. The operation has enhanced land-based patrols, increased staffing, and deployed additional resources, including a helicopter, to improve response capabilities.
Rear Admiral Brett Sonter of Maritime Border Command commended the operation’s success, highlighting the effectiveness of Australia’s maritime surveillance. “These actions confirm that our systems are robust, thanks to the vigilance of the community,” he said.
Wez Norris, CEO of AFMA, stressed the serious implications of illegal fishing. “This activity threatens our fish stocks and marine environment,” he stated, reinforcing the commitment to strict enforcement and severe penalties.
This operation adds to a series of recent successes, including four interceptions and 10 prosecutions this financial year, following 22 apprehensions and 75 prosecutions in the previous year. Anyone with information on illegal fishing in Australia should contact Border Watch.
