Australian Fisheries Management Authority to prosecute 20 Indonesian fishermen in Darwin

Multiple Indonesian fishermen will face Darwin courts this week after more than 30 allegedly made their way into Australian waters illegally. SEE THE NEVER BEFORE SEEN PICS.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is set to prosecute 20 Indonesian fishermen.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is set to prosecute 20 Indonesian fishermen after four illegal vessels were intercepted in Australian waters earlier this month.

The 20 men were part of the 33 man cohort stopped by the Australian Border Force near Augustus Island in north-west Western Australia on August 6.

They will appear in the Darwin Local Court on August 22, with ABF and AFMA keen to promote the prosecution as a deterrent to other fishermen.

Dambimangari traditional owner Adrian Lane spotted the first boat stuck in mangroves at Kuri Bay, about 370km north of Broome.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is set to prosecute 20 Indonesian fishermen after four illegal vessels were intercepted in Australian waters earlier this month.

Local tour operator Peter Tucker called the authorities and alongside the ABF found another three Indonesian vessels.

Officers seized 700kg of sea cucumber, 2350kg of salt (for processing), 4kg of shark fin, 4kg of sea urchin, and a large quantity of fishing equipment.

Three of the four boats were destroyed at sea on August 8, while the fourth vessel was taken out of the Australian fishing zone with 13 of the fishers on board.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is set to prosecute 20 Indonesian fishermen after four illegal vessels were intercepted in Australian waters earlier this month.

Australian Fisheries Management Authority chief executive Wez Norris said illegal foreign fishing was a serious issue.

“Not only does this illegal fishing cause serious damage to our fish stocks,” he said.

“These vessels also pose significant biosecurity risks with serious implications for our well‑protected marine environments, and commercial, recreational fishing and aquaculture industries.

Imagery of two of the vessels being sunk in Australian waters.

“We remain focused on strong enforcement action, apprehending and prosecuting illegal fishers to the full extent of the law.

“Prosecution outcomes highlight the severity of this offending, and send a clear message to any foreign fishers considering entering Australian waters.

The Australian Border Force apprehended Indonesian fishermen in the Kimberly Maritime Park.

The Australian Border Force apprehended Indonesian fishermen in the Kimberly Maritime Park.

“Your catch will be seized, your vessel destroyed, and you will be facing significant fines and possible imprisonment.”

There was a total of 22 apprehensions and 75 Indonesian fishermen prosecuted during the 2023-24 financial year.