Three separate foreign fishing vessels intercepted & seized off Kimberley coast in three days

More illegal fishing boats have been intercepted and destroyed off WA’s Kimberley coast, with authorities seizing hundreds of kilograms of sea cucumbers in the operation. The Australian Border Force detected and intercepted the three foreign fishing vessels in the vicinity of Augustus Island, Eclipse Island and Vansittart Bay in the Kimberley Marine Park between Thursday and Saturday last week. After they were discovered, ABF Maritime Border Command officers inspected each vessel and as a result, they seized 630kg of sea cucumbers from the separate vessels. Hundreds of kilos of salt, used to preserve the produce, as well as an assortment of dried fish and fishing equipment, was also seized. Two of the fishing vessels were seized and destroyed at sea in accordance with Australian law. Some crew members of the vessels, who are believed to be Indonesian nationals, were transferred to the Australian mainland for investigation. ABF Maritime Border Command Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said the interceptions send a warning to those attempting to exploit Australian waters. “Officers from MBC and AFMA are working tirelessly to protect our vast coastline and ensure those who seek to profit from illegal fishing are detected and detained,” Rear Admiral Sonter said. “The message is clear – you will be caught, you will lose your catch, your equipment and likely your vessel.” Australian Fisheries Management Authority General Manager Justin Bathurst said Australia’s healthy fisheries resources remain an attractive target for illegal fishing operators. “Illegal fishing has serious implications for our marine environment as well as commercial and recreational fishing industries,” Mr Bathurst said. “AFMA and our partner agencies remain focused on apprehending illegal fishing vessels. Those caught fishing illegally in Australian waters risk seizure of their catch and equipment, destruction of their vessel and prosecution in an Australian court.” It comes after the Australian Border Force revealed foreign fishers are at an 18-year high and Australia’s border patrols are struggling to keep up. “In response to increased illegal fishing activity, the ABF has boosted its presence in the region with Operation Leedstrum established in late 2023,” an ABF spokesperson said. “This investment has provided additional land-based patrol and response capabilities, additional staffing, patrol vehicles, and a helicopter. “MBC and AFMA have successfully conducted 57 foreign fishing vessel interceptions and successfully prosecuted 30 Indonesian fishers in Australian courts this financial year.” Meanwhile, 18 fishers are currently being held in detention awaiting court proceedings. For the previous financial year, there was a total of 22 apprehensions and 75 Indonesian fishers prosecuted. Last month, authorities intercepted at least four suspected illegal fishing boats, in waters almost 400km north of Broome, after locals spotted suspicious boats. Photographs obtained by The West Australian show authorities approaching what appears to be timber boats nestled within the mangroves.