Apprehension of foreign fishing vessel in Australian Waters

In a major hit to illegal fishing in Australian waters, Maritime Border Command (MBC) within the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) have apprehended a Papua New Guinea (PNG) fishing vessel fishing illegally on Thursday 22 September 2016.

The Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Byron boarded the PNG registered fishing vessel about 2.7nm inside the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone (AEEZ), west of Thursday Island.

The vessel was initially identified by HMAS Adelaide on Monday 19 September and was seen crossing into the AEEZ by an MBC surveillance aircraft on Thursday.

Officers from ADV Cape Byron boarded the vessel and located 500 kilograms of fresh fish and about 9 tons of fish in freezer compartments.

The 29 people on board the fishing vessel were detained and will be brought to Australia for further investigation by AFMA.

Commander MBC, Rear Admiral Peter Laver praised the joint efforts of Maritime Border Command and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and said the apprehensions highlight the capability of both agencies.

“Australia’s maritime domain exceeds 10 million square kilometres, but no matter where these boats are, MBC and AFMA officers will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Australia’s waters remain free from illegal fishing,” Rear Admiral Laver said.

“We maintain continuous watch and response capability within the AEEZ to deter where possible, but intercept and apprehend illegal foreign vessels who attempt to conduct illegal activity in Australian waters.”

AFMA’s General Manager Fisheries Operations, Peter Venslovas, agreed saying the continued joint efforts of MBC and AFMA ensures Australia’s marine resources are protected from poachers and remain healthy.

“Australia’s well managed Commonwealth fisheries are tempting for foreign fishing vessels. It is the continued cooperation between AFMA and MBC that ensures poachers will be caught,”

“Those attempting to steal from our marine environments should be on notice – they will be caught.”

This apprehension comes a day after 16 foreign fishermen from Vietnam were convicted of illegally fishing within Australian waters. Each fisherman received suspended sentences and their vessel was confiscated by AFMA and destroyed.

More information on how Australia is working to combat illegal fishing can be found at afma.gov.au.

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