Australian authorities intercept foreign vessels for illegal fishing

Australian authorities have intercepted multiple foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegal activity in Australian waters. In the Torres Strait, the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) intercepted an Indonesian Type III fishing vessel north-west of Badu Island. Authorities allegedly seized 29 sharks, 108 reef fish, and various fishing equipment. The crew was detained and scheduled for transfer to Darwin for investigation.

In separate operations off the Western Australian coastline, the ABF interdicted two additional foreign vessels. One vessel near Scott Reef was found with 33 kg of sea cucumber, 30 kg of dried fish, 20 fresh reef fish, and 5 kg of shark fin. A second vessel near Cartier Island was found with four fresh sharks and various fishing equipment. The crews from both Western Australian incidents are also in custody pending investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).