Two foreign fishing vessels intercepted in the Torres Strait last week have been destroyed at sea by the Australian Border Force, as authorities step up efforts to deter illegal fishing in northern waters.
The boats were among four foreign vessels stopped on 24 January 2026 following reports from the Torres Strait community. The interceptions were carried out amid suspected illegal fishing activity in Australian waters.
After detailed assessments and consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, two of the vessels and their crews were escorted back to Indonesian waters. The remaining two boats were seized and later destroyed at sea in line with Australian law.
The Border Force says the action reflects a broader surge in enforcement across northern Australia, confirming a 40 per cent increase in the destruction of seized vessels this financial year compared with the same period last year.
Operating through Maritime Border Command, the ABF works alongside multiple agencies to protect fisheries, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that rely on healthy coastal waters.
Maritime Border Command Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said illegal foreign fishers should have no doubt about Australia’s position.
“Australia does not tolerate illegal foreign fishing,” she said, adding that officers are operating on the water, in the air and in coastal communities every day to safeguard the Torres Strait and Far North Queensland.
She warned that those entering Australian waters to fish illegally face serious consequences, including the loss of their catch, equipment and vessels, as well as the possibility of prosecution in Australian courts.
The ABF uses a layered enforcement approach across northern Australia, combining surveillance aircraft, patrol vessels, fast-response boats and intelligence shared with partner agencies, including the Australian Defence Force. Authorities say information provided by local communities remains critical, particularly in remote coastal regions.
Community reporting has recently played a decisive role in several operations. On 14 January 2025, ABF vessel Storm Bay intercepted an Indonesian boat off Roko Island in Far North Queensland after locals raised concerns. The crew was stopped before any fishing occurred and later escorted out of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Officials say illegal foreign fishing increased after the COVID period, driven by depleted fish stocks and economic pressures in the region, but targeted operations are beginning to curb the activity.
While much of the work happens far from population centres, Acting Deputy Commander Dewar said it is making a difference. Even when enforcement is not visible, she said, authorities are acting on every report and maintaining constant vigilance across Australia’s northern maritime borders.
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