The Australian Border Force (ABF) patrolled with Indonesian authorities as part of Operation Horizon Watch. Photos: Supplied.
Federal authorities including Border Force have been jointly patrolling with international officers from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea as part of a crackdown on organised crime, illegal fishing and cross-border trafficking.
Criminal syndicates have been trying to exploit remote coastlines, according to ABF Assistant Commissioner James Copeman.
The ABF announced on 9 June it had finished a four-day coordinated maritime patrol involving Indonesian aircraft, boats and officers from the Directorate General of Surveillance for Marine and Fisheries Resources in waters off Ashmore and Cartier islands as part of Operation Horizon Watch.
Indonesian anglers have been a key focus for the ABF as part of Operation Broadstaff, which was launched in February to deter, detect and disrupt illegal foreign fishing across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Operation Horizon Watch targeted illegal fishing and other civil maritime threats in May.
Dozens of the nation’s anglers have faced Australian courts for illegal fishing, many off the Cape and in the Torres Strait, with some jailed for repeat offending.
The eighth joint Horizon Watch patrol between 22 and 25 May targeted illegal fishing and other civil maritime threats.
Commander of Maritime Border Command Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said Australia and Indonesia were standing together to protect their waters, fisheries and marine environments.
“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a complex regional challenge that can only be combatted through a cooperative approach,” he said.
Director General of the Indonesian Directorate General of Surveillance Pung Nugroho Saksono (Ipunk) said the organisation was “committed to enhancing collaboration with ABF and AFMA (Australian Fisheries Management Authority) to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices in the waters of both countries”.
AFMA CEO Wez Norris said AFMA worked closely with the ABF and Indonesia to uphold fisheries laws.
“These coordinated patrols demonstrate our shared responsibility to stop illegal fishing and reinforce our collective commitment to protecting marine environments and fisheries resources for future generations,” he said.
Crews intercepted four Indonesian vessels. One was found to be operating outside of approved permit conditions and ordered to return to Kupang for further investigation.
Another vessel experienced engine failure and was towed to Kupang by Indonesian authorities.
The remaining two boats were operating according to permits and in the clear.
Earlier, between 20 and 24 April, Australian and Papua New Guinean authorities patrolled the Torres Strait and PNG’s Western Province to protect communities.
The patrol involved border officers, police, fisheries and immigration staff from both nations. They visited Daru Island, Jarai and Mari villages in PNG, as well as Saibai Island and surrounding waters in the Torres Strait.
The Torres Strait sits less than four kilometres from the PNG mainland at its closest point.
Mr Copeman said criminal syndicates were trying to traffic drugs, weapons and other illicit goods between the two nations.
Cross-border patrols have taken place since the late 90s.
“The Torres Strait is one of the most unique environments we operate in and partnerships are key to our joint success,” he said.
“These patrols send a clear message that Australia and PNG are working together to stop criminals exploiting remote communities and border vulnerabilities.”
Papua New Guinea Chief Migration Officer Wellington Navasivu said the cooperation helped with “deeper understanding of each other’s operational environments, making each patrol more effective than the last”.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Assistant Commissioner Justine Gough said: “The AFP has strong ties with our Pacific family and is committed to facing strategic challenges and finding tangible solutions to the unique threats at the border between PNG and North Queensland”.
“Organised criminals have consistently sought to find vulnerabilities in our region to exploit for profit. This joint activity shows our joint intelligence, resources and capabilities are poised to effectively target illicit operations,” she said.
“Our PNG colleagues are valued and trusted partners for the AFP, and together we are resolute in protecting our region from threats which undermine community safety and security.”
Queensland Police Far North District Chief Superintendent Kevin Fitzgibbon said patrols bolstered the strong police presence in the Torres Strait.
“These joint patrols are an important opportunity to strengthen our ability to respond to emerging threats in a geographically challenging area,” he said.
Joint Australia-PNG cross-border patrols have taken place since 1997.
