Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted three suspected illegal foreign fishing vessels off the Northern Territory coast, arresting 18 Indonesian nationals. The boats were either destroyed or escorted out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. Authorities seized fishing equipment and 720 kilograms of sea cucumber.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have intercepted three suspected illegal foreign fishing vessels off the Northern Territory coast and arrested 18 Indonesia n nationals onboard. The fishers have been brought to shore to face court in Darwin, with their boats either destroyed or turned back. The Australian Border Force (ABF) has intercepted three suspected illegal foreign fishing vessels in Northern Territory waters, detaining 18 crew members and seizing their catch.
In a statement released on Friday, an ABF spokesperson said the boats were boarded by officers last week after aerial surveillance patrols spotted them near Money Shoal, about 200 kilometres north-east of Darwin. Eighteen Indonesian nationals were taken into custody and brought to Darwin to face possible charges under the Fisheries Management Act, with authorities also seizing fishing equipment and 720 kilograms of sea cucumber. The spokesperson said two of the three vessels were destroyed and the third was forfeited and escorted out of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone, in consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). ABF officers apprehended the three alleged illegal foreign fishing vessels and brought their crew members to Darwin to face court. Rare glimpse behind the scenes of Australia's border protection with 24 boats destroyed at sea and dozens of fishers and their crew prosecuted through Australian courts. In Arnhem Land, where many of the boats have been reported, traditional owners have expressed concern about the numbers of foreign vessels arriving, which include Authorities seized several tonnes of sea cucumber from a vessel in waters near Croker Island in a previous interception last month.At the time, ABF Rear Admiral Brett Sonter said Operation Lunar would include an expansion of on-ground surveillance in partnership with local communities. Operation Lunar Acting Commander Tracie Griffin said ABF officers were 'working tirelessly around the clock to protect Australia's sovereign waters'. '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,' she said. '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.
Australian Border Force Illegal Fishing Northern Territory Indonesia Sea Cucumber
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fire Destroys Mattress Store in Melbourne's East, Suspected ArsonA two-story building, housing a Forty Winks mattress store, was consumed by a fire in Melbourne's east. Over 95 firefighters battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. Police are investigating the incident as suspected arson.
Read more »
Australian Filmmaker Leigh Whannell Prepares for Hollywood Horror and Australian FestivalLeigh Whannell, a prominent Australian filmmaker, is preparing for the release of a new Hollywood horror film while also participating in the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Festival. The festival, dubbed 'Sundance at Surfers', aims to attract both film professionals and tourists.
Read more »
Australian grand slam champion Max Purcell accepts doping ban on eve of Australian Open7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Australian Tennis Players Vie for Australian Open QualificationAustralian players are gearing up for the Australian Open qualification rounds, aiming to secure a spot in the main draw. Marc Polmans, one of 15 wildcard recipients, highlights the intense competition and the physical demands of the qualifying process.
Read more »
Kokkinakis Hopes to Ignite Australian Comeback at Australian OpenThanasi Kokkinakis faces Jack Draper in a battle of the wounded at the Australian Open, hoping to spark a resurgence for Australian players after a string of early exits. The match takes place amidst weather disruptions and a battle for momentum on the court.
Read more »
Australian Wildcard Tristan Schoolkate Stuns Jannik Sinner in Australian Open UpsetTristan Schoolkate, an unseeded Australian player, shocked the tennis world by defeating world No.1 Jannik Sinner in the second round of the Australian Open. Schoolkate took the first set, capitalizing on Sinner's struggles with the wind and showcasing remarkable composure.
Read more »