The Australian Border Force (ABF) has apprehended a foreign vessel and detained its crew suspected of fishing illegally in the Arafura Sea, as Operation LUNAR continues its crackdown on illegal foreign fishing across Australia’s northern maritime approaches.
On Wednesday (9 September 2026), a patrol boat intercepted the vessel near the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (AEEZ) boundary, north of the Wessel Islands in the Northern Territory.
Authorities boarded the vessel and identified evidence of suspected fisheries offences and seized 100kg of fresh and dry reef fish, and roe (fish eggs).
Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the vessel was seized and its crew detained.
The crew will be transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA in relation to suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
The vessel will be disposed of in accordance with Australian law and relevant environmental and biosecurity requirements.
Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Natasha O’Farrell said the interception demonstrated Operation LUNAR remained active across Australia’s vast northern maritime approaches.
“Illegal foreign fishing activity can fluctuate, but our resolve does not. We continue to patrol, detect and act wherever illegal fishing occurs across Australia’s northern maritime approaches,” Depuy Commander O’Farrell said.
“Those who enter Australian waters to fish illegally risk losing their catch, their equipment and their vessel, and they may face prosecution.”
Operation LUNAR is an ABF-led multi-agency operation targeting illegal foreign fishing in waters off the NT coastline.
While the latest apprehension occurred well offshore, Deputy Commander O’Farrell said the NT community remained an important part of Australia’s layered approach to border protection.
“Australia’s maritime border is protected through a layered approach, including aerial surveillance, patrol vessels, intelligence operations, land-based patrols and information provided by coastal communities,” Deputy Commander O’Farrell said.
“Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border Watch.”
Reports can be made anonymously.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
