Australian Border Force intercepted two more boats on 7 March as part of Operation Broadstaff. Photo: ABF.
Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted more foreign boats suspected of illegal fishing in the Torres Strait.
Crew members of two vessels stopped near Trochus Island have been taken to Darwin as Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) investigations continue.
The ABF and other agencies launched Operation Broadstaff in February to deter, detect and disrupt illegal foreign fishing across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
Earlier this month, Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett and Cook MP David Kempton raised concerns about biosecurity risks and called on the Federal Government to ramp up resources to halt the boats.
Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said the Commonwealth was working on a longer term “Torres Strait solution to a Torres Strait area” problem.
The ABF said a fixed-wing aircraft on patrol spotted the vessels and triggered its latest response on the water on 7 March.
A fast response boat and patrol boat ABFC Roebuck Bay intercepted both vessels prior to them fishing Australia’s waters.
ABF officers boarded the boats and found 1650 kg of salt “used to preserve catch and fishing equipment”, according to a statement.
Officers consulted with AFMA, seized the fishing gear, disposed of the salt and apprehended crew members.
They were taken to Darwin to be investigated by AFMA for suspected offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
A vessel being towed. Photo: ABF
The boats will be disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.
The ABF said local knowledge was essential and community members provided vital eyes and ears.
Maritime Border Command acting deputy commander Brooke Dewar said: “The coordination between our surveillance aircraft, patrol vessels and local communities means illegal fishers have nowhere to hide.
“Our message is simple: if you enter Australian waters to steal our marine resources, we will find you and we will act.”
The ABF intercepted seven suspected illegal foreign fishing vessels in the first 30 days of the operation, seized more than 1.9 tonnes of sea cucumber and 3.5 tonnes of salt.
As of Friday, 18 boats have been intercepted since the start of the year.
The ABF urged anyone with information about illegal fishing in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait to contact Border Watch.
