The Australian Border Pressure (ABF) has apprehended 30 unlawful international fishers and seized and destroyed three fishing vessels as a part of an ongoing operation focusing on unlawful fishing off the coast of Western Australia.
ABF’s Maritime Border Command in partnership with the Australian Fisheries Administration Authority (AFMA) detected and apprehended the vessels discovered to be fishing illegally within the Kimberley Marine Park between December 23 and 26, 2023.
The unlawful fishing crews have been conveyed to shore and positioned in immigration detention whereas authorities take into account prosecution and elimination from Australia. Their fishing gear was seized from the vessels and a mixed catch of greater than a tonne of trepang (1,170 kg), in any other case often called sea cucumber, in addition to 600kg of salt, which is used to protect the trepang. Â
Operation LEEDSTRUM Commander, Assistant Commissioner Kylie Rendina, mentioned the crews of vessels illegally fishing in Australian waters have been on discover. “In case you fish illegally, you’ll lose your vessel, your gear and you can be positioned in immigration detention to face potential prosecution in Australian courts.
The apprehension and detention of those 30 fishers represents the most important cohort of international fishers to be detained in over a decade.
Australia’s properly managed fisheries and extremely protected marine parks are a lovely alternative for unlawful international fishers.
