Darwin, 2 May 2025 — Ten Indonesian nationals have been found guilty in the Darwin Local Court for engaging in illegal fishing activities within Australian waters. The cases were heard across two days, on 29 and 30 April 2025, and involved separate incidents off the coasts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

First Incident: Parry Harbour, WA – 3 April 2025

Australian maritime authorities intercepted a foreign fishing vessel operating unlawfully near Parry Harbour. The boat was found carrying 420 kilograms of sea cucumber, 300 kilograms of salt used for preserving the catch, and fishing tools including a 50-metre hooked line and trawling equipment.

The crew was taken into custody and transported to Darwin for further investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The Australian Border Force (ABF) confiscated and later destroyed the vessel in accordance with national regulations.

The vessel’s captain received a 27-day prison sentence, backdated to the date of his apprehension. The other crew members were released under $1,000 good behaviour bonds lasting two years.

Second Incident: Port Essington, NT – 10 April 2025

A second illegal fishing vessel was detected and intercepted near Port Essington, where authorities recovered 300 kilograms of sea cucumber, 90 kilograms of salt, and fishing equipment.

As in the earlier case, the crew was detained and transferred to Darwin. The ABF seized and destroyed the vessel at sea under legal provisions.

The boat’s captain was sentenced to 21 days in jail, also backdated to the arrest date, and later released on a $1,000 good behaviour bond for two years. Two other crew members received the same bond, while the remaining two were released on $500 good behaviour bonds, also for two years.

All ten individuals were charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth) and will be deported to Indonesia by the ABF as soon as possible.

Authorities reported that 176 Indonesian nationals have faced prosecution for illegal fishing in the Darwin Local Court since 1 July 2024.