Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted three illegal foreign fishing vessels and apprehended 18 crew members in waters off the Northern Territory coast.
The interceptions are the latest under the ABF-led, multi-agency Operation LUNAR, stood up last year to respond to the increase in illegal foreign fishing detected in the area.
ABF aerial surveillance patrols on Saturday January 2025), sighted the vessels in the vicinity of Money Shoal before ABF officers responded and boarded the vessels.
Upon boarding the vessels, ABF officers seized a total of 720 kilograms of trepang (sea cucumber) and fishing equipment.
After thorough assessment of the circumstances, including consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), two vessels were apprehended, with 18 Indonesian fishers detained to be brought into Darwin for investigation of suspected offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991. The vessels have been destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
The third vessel was subject to a legislative forfeiture and escorted out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.
ABF Operation LUNAR Acting Commander Tracie Griffin said the interception was yet another example of the ongoing success of Operation LUNAR.
“Operation LUNAR is in full force and ABF officers are working tirelessly around the clock to protect Australia’s sovereign waters,” Acting Commander Griffin said.
“The message to those seeking to exploit Australia’s marine resources is clear: you will be caught, you will lose your catch and possibly your vessel and you may be subject to further prosecution.”
“The community plays an important role in contributing to the success of our operations and I encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity to Border Watch online.”
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