Australian Border Force has seen early results under Operation BROADSTAFF after two illegal foreign fishing vessels were impeded over the weekend. Photo: Australian Border Force.
Two foreign vessels have been intercepted in the early stages of Operation BROADSTAFF before any illegal fishing activity took place.
After the multiagency operation launched on 10 February, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers from Maritime Border Command (MBC) and partner agencies impeded two suspected illegal foreign fishing vessels in Torres Strait waters on 14 and 15 February — one in the vicinity of Hawkesbury Island, and the other near Thursday Island.
ABF reported that following boarding and inspection by its officers, it was clear that no illegal foreign fishing activity had commenced.
Officers identified 175 kilograms of salt and fishing equipment on one vessel, and 900 kilograms of salt and fishing equipment on the second.
After consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the ABF undertook a legislative forfeiture, seizing the salt and fishing equipment.
Both vessels were escorted from Australian waters.
MBC Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said one of the vessels was sighted by a member of the public, who reported to the ABF Thursday Island District Office.
“The ABF acknowledges the community’s close engagement with officers on Thursday Island, and their role in supporting our situational awareness across the region,” she said.
“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 weekend’s activities are a prime example of the effective working relationship the ABF has with remote communities.”
Since 1 January the ABF has intercepted 13 foreign fishing vessels in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Operation BROADSTAFF remains ongoing, with Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith and Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill to visit the Torres Strait on 27-28 February to engage in community consultation.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia’s borders is urged to report to Border Watch Online Report.
