Australian Border Force officers intercept a fishing boat. Photos: ABF.
As authorities crack down on dodgy illegal foreign fishing boats in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait during Operation Broadstaff, it’s been revealed almost 300 Indonesian nationals were prosecuted for fisheries offences last year.
It comes as the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has detailed action taken against 14 Indonesian nationals, who pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court to illegal fishing in Australian waters this year, including off Cape York Peninsula.
On 20 February, authorities intercepted two boats with six and seven crew members on board, geared up to fish, near Albany Island.
The boats were destroyed, crew were taken to Darwin for further investigation by AFMA and seven people from one vessel pleaded guilty to offences against the Fisheries Management Act on 3 March.
The master and a crew member were released on $2000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for three years. The remaining crew were released on $1000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for three years.
AFMA states the court acknowledged the fishers transited the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ).
Six crew members from the other boat pleaded guilty to offences against the Torres Strait Fisheries Act.
They were previously intercepted near Uluf Island, Queensland, on 14 February and directed to leave Australian waters — but were again stopped six days later. Charges relate to the original offending detected in the TSPZ.
ABF officers with one of many illegal foreign fishing vessels detected this year.
The master was released on a $2000 undertaking to be of good behaviour for three years. The remaining crew were released on $1000 undertakings to be of good behaviour for three years.
All anglers were set to be returned to their home country by the Australian Border Force (ABF).
AFMA also detailed an incident involving an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally near East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, in late January. Six crew members faced legal action.
In 2025, a total of 298 Indonesian nationals were prosecuted for offences against the Fisheries Management Act and one Torres Strait fish receiver for offences against the Torres Strait Fisheries Act.
AFMA and other Australian authorities have been working with the Indonesian Government to halt illegal fishing through workshops, public information campaigns, distribution of educational material, targeted social media campaigns and proactive engagement with anglers.
Operation Broadstaff was launched by authorities in February to deter, detect and disrupt illegal foreign fishing.
AFMA general manager fisheries operations Justin Bathurst said: “Illegal fishing will not be tolerated. Our message is clear: you will be caught and face significant penalties under Australian law.
A vessel being towed by officers.
“Any foreign national caught fishing unlawfully in Australian waters will be subject to facing serious penalties including seizure of catch, equipment, their vessel and potential imprisonment.”
ABF Maritime Border Command Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said officers were working “around the clock”.
“Foreign fishing crews will continue to be detained and prosecuted under Australian law as we work closely with our partner agencies to protect our precious marine resources,” she said.
Illegal fishing in Australian waters can be reported by phoning AFMA’s 24-hour CRIMFISH hotline on 1800 274 634 or emailing [email protected].
