Authorities seize 750kg of shark fin from illegal fishers in Kimberley Marine Park

A group of 18 fishers caught illegally fishing in the Kimberley Marine Park were sentenced at the Darwin Local Court on May 14, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines of up to $5000. In separate incidents throughout April, Australian authorities found, intercepted, and apprehended two Indonesian vessels fishing illegally in Australian waters. One of the vessels tried to evade authorities, and the other was hiding in mangroves in the Kimberley Marine Park. Australian authorities seized a combined catch of 750kg of shark fin, three stingray tails, and 10kg of sea cucumber, also known as trepang. A range of equipment was also seized, including reef-walking shoes, a large quantity of fishing line, nets, and 220kg of salt, used for preserving catch. The vessels in question were seized and disposed of, while the crew were detained and transported to Darwin. The master of the two vessels received three-month and two-month terms of imprisonment respectively. Three of the fishers were required to serve periods of imprisonment following execution of outstanding warrants for previous similar offending. Maritime Border Command Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said the detection, interception, and prosecution of these illegal fishers served notice to any crews operating illegally in Australian waters. “Don’t attempt to ply your trade here,” he said. “We will intercept you. You will lose your equipment and your vessel.” It follows repeated detection of illegal fishing boats around the Kimberley Marine Park, and the arrival of several asylum seeker boats on the Kimberley coast earlier this year.