A full-scale operation led by the Australian Border Force to chase illegal fishers out of Torres Strait waters is being launched. Photo: Supplied.
The Australian Border Force is launching a multiagency operation to combat illegal foreign fishing in Torres Strait waters.
Operation BROADSTAFF builds on similar operations in north-west Western Australia and the Northern Territory to take enforcement action against illegal fishing activities.
Since 1 January, there have been 10 interceptions of suspected illegal fishing vessels in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, enabled via increased surveillance and additional on-water assets in the region.
“This has now been scaled up to a full operation,” Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said.
“A message to these criminals is, Australian waters [and] Australian maritime resources are for Australians. You didn’t succeed in Western Australia, we chased you out of the Northern Territory in Darwin, and you’re not going to succeed in the Torres Strait.
“Importantly, it’s a partnership with communities right across the Torres Strait. Community leaders, community members, can be the eyes and ears, the intelligence on the ground, so that we can respond more quickly.”
Operation BROADSTAFF follows Operation LEEDSTRUM, which saw two Indonesian fishing vessels intercepted within the Kimberley Marine Park in December 2023, and Operation LUNAR, which resulted in the seizure of 1200 kilograms of sea cucumber and fishing equipment in early 2025.
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said action had been taken since he and Mr Hill travelled to the Torres Strait in October 2025 regarding illegal foreign fishing, and Operation BROADSTAFF complemented existing efforts.
“We knew that given the success of Operation LUNAR and Operation LEEDSTRUM, that there may be an influx of illegal vessels into the Torres Strait region,” he said.
“Unfortunately, due to some weather events in the north-west of Australia, this influx was larger than anticipated, but we did act.
“We put extra resources in January and December, but now I have formally requested further assistance from the Federal Government.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke assured Torres Strait and Cape York communities that serious action was being taken to patrol the waters.
“This operation is a response to illegal foreign fishing activity in the Torres Strait, and is in partnership with the local communities we’ve spoken with who see and feel the impact,” he said.
“Australian Border Force surveillance and patrol capabilities are active across vast and remote maritime regions.
“Foreign fishers who operate in Australian waters illegally risk losing their haul, their equipment, their vessel, and their freedom.”
