Twenty fishermen who illegally entered Australian waters have been slapped with thousands of dollars in fines. The Indonesian nationals were intercepted off Western Australia’s Kimberley region and have since faced court over what authorities found on their boat.
The arrests highlight a hidden problem impacting sensitive fisheries in remote areas of Australia. Inside their boats, authorities discovered a massive haul of delicacies likely destined for international markets. Worryingly they found 700 kilograms of sea cucumber, a species which has been declining due to overfishing. The University of Sydney estimates the market for these creatures could be worth over US $200 million ($294 million) annually, with most going to China.
Four kilograms of shark fin was also discovered on board the ships. Harvesting of this delicacy is having a dramatic impact on sharks, and 31 per cent of species are now threatened with extinction, with overfishing a primary driver of their declines.
The August 6 arrests are part of a crackdown on illegal fishing in Australian waters. A month earlier, authorities seized 50 kilograms of shark fin and 80 kilograms of bait fish in a separate incident.
Following the most recent arrests, the men all pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court on August 22 and 23.
Two repeat offenders were given fines of $4000 each, and will be imprisoned for 15 and 75 days on outstanding warrants for similar offences. Eighteen other fishermen were fined $2000 each and placed on good behaviour bonds.
The men will all be sent home to Indonesia by Australian Border Force (ABF). And three of their vessels have been destroyed at-sea as dictated by Australian law.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AMFA) claimed the court outcomes demonstrate the “seriousness of illegal fishing” and its impact on the nation’s marine ecosystems.
“The message is clear. AFMA and our partner agencies remain focused on detecting and apprehending illegal fishers. Those caught fishing illegally in Australian waters risk prosecution as well as seizure and destruction of their vessel,” its general manager Justin Bathurst said.
In a statement, Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter added, “Our message to unauthorised foreign fishers is simple: Australia does not tolerate illegal activity in our waters. We will intercept you, you will lose your catch, your equipment and possibly even your vessel.”