Six Indonesian nationals pleaded guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
The matter arose from an incident on 29 January 2026 where Australian authorities identified and intercepted an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near East Arnhem Land.
ABF seized 4 shark fins, 5kg of salted fish, 400kg salt used to preserve catch, 1,000 litres of diesel fuel, 100 metres of line, 1 air compressor, 100 metres of hose and other fishing equipment.
The crew was apprehended, detained and transported to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA. The vessel was seized and destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
Six fishers pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth).
The Master was sentenced to an aggregate period of six months imprisonment, backdated to the date of apprehension. He was released after time served on an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
One crew member was found to have breached a good behaviour undertaking imposed in September 2024. For both the breach and the current matter, he was sentenced to a 4-month period of imprisonment backdated to the date of apprehension. He was released after time served on an undertaking to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
Two crew were sentenced to 4-month periods of imprisonment backdated to the date of apprehension. They were released after time served on undertakings to be of good behaviour for a period of three years.
The final crew member's matter was adjourned until 3 March 2026. He is currently serving a 30-day period of imprisonment following execution of a warrant for outstanding unpaid fines.
All fishers will be removed from Australia by ABF and returned to Indonesia after serving any applicable periods of imprisonment.
There have been 133 Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
AFMA, in partnership with ABF, undertakes targeted operations to intercept illegal fishing operations to protect the sustainability of Australia's fisheries resources and border security.
Australian authorities work with the Indonesian Government to address illegal fishing at its source, through the delivery of public information campaigns within Indonesian fishing communities, the distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns, and proactive engagement with fishers.
Quotes attributable to AFMA's General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst
“Illegally fishing in Australia is not worth the risk. Foreign nationals found unlawfully fishing in Australian waters face serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, their vessel and potential imprisonment."
“AFMA and Maritime Border Command remain resolute in our commitment to detect, apprehend and prosecute illegal foreign fishers."
Quotes attributable to acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command, Brooke Dewar
“Illegal foreign fishers should be under no illusion about the consequences of entering Australian waters – you will be found, you will be stopped, and you will face enforcement action under Australian law."
“Supported by our strong and coordinated partnership with AFMA, ABF officers continue to take proactive and decisive action, disrupting illegal fishing operations at every opportunity."
Illegal fishing activity in Australian waters can be reported to Australian authorities by contacting CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or intelligence@afma.gov.au.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
