Federal authorities have confirmed a surge in illegal fishing off Australia’s northern coast, with 101 vessels intercepted since July.
For the first time, authorities have confirmed COVID-19 safety restrictions mean they are no longer detaining the captains and crews of vessels, instead escorting them from Australian waters.
The growing number of Indonesian fishing boats operating within the Rowley Shoals Marine Park, 300km off the coast of Broome, has prompted outrage from local fishermen and tour operations over environmental damage, and even piracy.
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-15/federal-authorities-confirm-spike-in-illegal-fishing/100540258