The Australian Border Force has busted two illegal foreign fishing vessels and apprehended 12 crew members in waters off the Northern Territory coast.
The ABF were alerted to the matter when Bawinanga Homelands Aboriginal Corporation’s Djelk Rangers reported a sighting of foreign fishing vessels off west Arnhem Land.
The Border Force found the vessels near Maningrida and Port Essington, Northern Territory on Sunday.
1,200 kilograms of sea cucumber or trepang was seized with a value of up to $120,000, as well as fishing equipment.
The 12 Indonesian fishers aboard the vessel were detained and taken to Darwin for investigation, with the vessels destroyed.
ABF Operation LUNAR Commander Tracie Griffin said the force is dedicated to respond to all reports of illegal fishing in the NT.
“These latest interceptions are an exceptional example of the success we are seeing as a result of Operation LUNAR, and we are grateful to the Djelk Rangers for their diligent reporting of this sighting,” Commander Griffin said.
“The unique and detailed knowledge that Indigenous ranger groups and Traditional Owners and custodians possess about Country is invaluable in supporting our efforts to protect our borders, and I urge those with information to continue to report it through Border Watch.”
