ABF officers found 300 kg of sea cucumbers during an Operation Broadstaff interception on 13 April. Photo: ABF.
Australian Border Force (ABF) has found another foreign boat loaded with sea cucumbers as it continues to crack down on illegal fishing across northern Queensland and the Torres Strait.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and ABF launched Operation Broadstaff in February to deter, detect and disrupt foreign anglers, who have largely been coming from Indonesia.
The ABF has intercepted 21 illegal vessels and seized more than 3.5 tonnes of sea cucumbers since 1 January, according to the latest figures released by authorities.
Sea cucumbers are highly regarded as a delicacy in parts of Asia, partly due to purported aphrodisiac and medicinal properties, and can fetch high prices.
Earlier this month, it was revealed 160 Indonesian fishers had been prosecuted in Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2025.
David Kempton said the Torres Strait community had called for action, resulting in Broadstaff, after a “400 per cent increase in illegal fishing vessels in Torres Strait over recent years”.
Sea cucumbers found during an Operation Broadstaff interception earlier this year. Photo: AFMA.
Mr Kempton and Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett previously warned illegal fishing could lead to outbreaks of malaria, tuberculosis and arboviruses affecting humans, and screw worm fly, lumpy skin and foot-and-mouth disease affecting farm animals.
The latest interception aired by the ABF occurred at Prince of Wales Island (Muralag) off the tip of Cape York Peninsula in the Torres Strait on 13 April.
ABF aerial and surface assets responded to community reports and officers quickly found two boats hiding in a shallow creek on the island, which is the largest in the Torres Strait.
Officers from ABFC Roebuck Bay found 300 kilograms of sea cucumbers and 300 kg of salt used to preserve catch, as well as fishing gear.
The ABF consulted with AFMA and the crew of the boats were arrested.
Sea cucumbers loaded on an illegal foreign fishing vessel. Photo: AFMA.
They were due to be taken to Darwin to be further investigated by AFMA for suspected offences against the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
The ABF has been burning foreign boats at sea and it’s expected these two boats will also be disposed of by fire.
ABF Acting Deputy Commander of Maritime Border Command Brooke Dewar said the ABF used a layered enforcement approach and combined reports from the local community with air, sea and land patrols.
Foreign boats being burnt at sea earlier this year. Photo: ABF.
“This is a clear example of our layered approach in action – strong patrols backed by real-time information from the community,” she said.
“Anyone who attempts to fish illegally in Australian waters will be detected, intercepted and held accountable. Operation Broadstaff continues to deliver results.
“The ABF maintains a constant intelligence-led posture across the Torres Strait and northern Australia, and we will continue this enhanced response for as long as necessary.”
To report illegal foreign fishing in Australian waters phone the CRIMFISH hotline on 1800 274 634, or email [email protected].
