17 Indonesian fishermen plead guilty to illegal fishing in Australian waters; two vessels seized and destroyed

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) issued a joint statement on 5 November 2026 reporting that 17 Indonesian fishermen have pleaded guilty to charges of illegal fishing in Australian waters. Australian authorities under Maritime Border Command (MBC) had earlier seized two foreign fishing vessels.

The first vessel was intercepted on 29 September 2026 in Australian territorial seas north of Scott Reef off Western Australia, within a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) box. The MoU box permits fishing by traditional Indonesian fishermen using traditional fishing methods. Authorities found 13 crew members on board, along with approximately 100 kg of reef fish, 60 kg of sea cucumber, various non-traditional fishing and diving equipment, and 1,000 kg of salt used to preserve the catch. Illegal fishing in Australian territorial seas carries a maximum penalty of 2 years' imprisonment.

The second vessel was intercepted on 6 October 2026 in Western Australian waters, 12 nautical miles inside the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) northeast of Cartier Island. Authorities found 4 crew members on board, along with 20 kg of shark fin, 3 kg of reef fish, 30 kg of salt and various fishing equipment.

Both vessels were seized and destroyed under Australian law. The detained crew members were taken to Darwin, where AFMA conducted further investigation of the cases.

All 17 crew members were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) and pleaded guilty in the Darwin Local Court on 27 October 2026. They were released on two-year good behaviour bonds.

Since 1 July 2026, 50 Indonesian fishermen have been prosecuted in the Darwin Local Court.

AFMA and the Australian Border Force remind foreign fishermen that illegal fishing in Australian waters is a serious offence. Those engaged in illegal fishing activities may face prosecution and other severe penalties, including fines, forfeiture of catch and equipment, and destruction of their vessels.

AFMA General Manager of Fisheries Operations Justin Bathurst said: "AFMA and the Australian Border Force are firmly committed to protecting Australia's marine resources and maritime borders. These prosecutions are the result of coordinated surveillance, enforcement and investigative efforts, from detection at sea through to court outcomes. We will continue to work with our partners to deter foreign illegal fishing and ensure Australian fisheries remain sustainable for future generations."

Acting Deputy Commander of Maritime Border Command Nicole Papasavvas said: "The successful interception of these vessels reflects the professionalism and coordination of Maritime Border Command's maritime surveillance and response assets. We will continue to work with AFMA to uphold Australian fisheries laws, ensure that those who seek to exploit our marine resources are held accountable, and counter illegal foreign fishing that threatens Australia's maritime borders."

Australian authorities said illegal fishing in Australian waters can be reported by calling CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or emailing intelligence@afma.gov.au.