Border Force Intercepts Suspected Illegal Fishing Vessel Off NT Coast

Australian authorities have intercepted a foreign fishing vessel suspected of operating illegally in waters near Croker Island, as part of a broader crackdown on unlawful fishing activities in northern Australia.

Officers from the Australian Border Force boarded the vessel on 18 May and allegedly discovered fishing equipment and around 120 kilograms of salt believed to be intended for preserving catch.

Following consultations with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the vessel was seized and its crew detained for further investigation under the Fisheries Management Act 1991.

Authorities confirmed the crew would be transported to Darwin while the vessel was disposed of in line with Australian environmental and biosecurity regulations.

Acting Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Brooke Dewar said the operation demonstrated Australia’s ongoing efforts to protect marine resources and northern waters from illegal fishing activity.

The interception was conducted under Operation LUNAR, a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting illegal foreign fishing in waters off the Northern Territory. Similar operations have resulted in multiple vessel seizures and prosecutions in recent months.

Source: Australian Border Force and Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)