The Australian Border Force (ABF) has acted under Operation BROADSTAFF, intercepting two foreign fishing vessels in the vicinity of Albany Islands, Queensland on 20 February 2026. This follows the success of operations on 14 and 15 February during which the ABF intercepted a further two foreign fishing vessels.
Launched in February 2026, Operation BROADSTAFF is designed to deter, detect and disrupt illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters. These early outcomes highlight the ABF’s continued focus on protecting Australia’s maritime resources, the environment and northern communities.
During intelligence led patrols of the region, ABF officers from Maritime Border Command (MBC), working with partner agencies, intercepted two suspected illegal foreign fishing vessels near Cape York.
Following boarding and inspection of both vessels by ABF officers, it was determined that suspected illegal fishing had taken place. Officers identified 510kg of salt and fishing equipment on board the vessels. After consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the ABF undertook apprehension, seizing the fishing equipment and disposing of the salt. The crew were apprehended and transferred to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. In due course the two vessels will be disposed of in accordance with Australian law.
Local knowledge remains essential in the Torres Strait, with community members providing vital eyes and ears across their Sea Country as ABF officers continue engaging with local fishers and residents to strengthen two way communication and shared awareness of suspicious maritime activity.
The Australian Government recognises that Illegal foreign fishing activity is concerning for local communities and appreciates the importance of maintaining confidence in border protection settings.
“These interceptions reinforce that Operation BROADSTAFF continues to achieve successful outcomes - detect illegal foreign fishing, act decisively on the water, and ensure unlawful activity in the Torres Strait is disrupted before it harms local communities or Sea Country” Maritime Border Command Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said.
“Operation BROADSTAFF brings together ABF capability, AFMA expertise and community reporting, giving us a coordinated approach to identifying illegal fishing activity and addressing it decisively.
“The message is crystal clear: if you enter Australian waters to fish illegally, you will be detected and you will be intercepted. Operation BROADSTAFF strengthens our ability to act decisively and maintain a strong presence across the region.”
Operation BROADSTAFF remains ongoing, with further activity planned across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Since its launch, the operation has resulted in two legislative forfeiture and two apprehension outcomes, strengthening ABF disruption efforts across remote northern waters.
Since 1 January 2026, the ABF has intercepted 15 foreign fishing vessels in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border Watch online.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
