Six Indonesian nationals have been sentenced after pleading guilty to illegally fishing in Australian waters, following the interception of their vessel near East Arnhem Land late last month.
The group appeared before the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, over offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
Australian authorities detected and intercepted the vessel on 29 January 2026 during a patrol off the Northern Territory coast. Officers seized four shark fins, five kilograms of salted fish and around 400 kilograms of salt used to preserve the catch, along with 1,000 litres of diesel fuel, fishing lines, an air compressor and other equipment. The vessel was later destroyed in accordance with Australian law.
The master of the boat received a total sentence of six months’ imprisonment, backdated to the date of his arrest. He was released after serving time in custody and placed on a three-year good behaviour undertaking.
One crew member, who had previously been subject to a good behaviour undertaking imposed in September 2024, was found to have breached that order. He was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for both the breach and the latest offending, also backdated, and was released on a three-year good behaviour undertaking after time served.
Two other crew members were each sentenced to four months’ imprisonment, backdated to their apprehension, and were similarly released on three-year undertakings after serving their time. The matter involving a sixth crew member was adjourned until 3 March 2026. He is currently serving a 30-day jail term after a warrant was executed for unpaid fines.
All six men are expected to be removed from Australia by the Australian Border Force and returned to Indonesia once any custodial requirements are finalised.
The prosecution follows continued joint operations between the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Australian Border Force targeting illegal foreign fishing in northern waters. Since 1 July 2025, 133 Indonesian fishers have been prosecuted before the Darwin court.
AFMA’s general manager of fisheries operations, Justin Bathurst, said those entering Australian waters unlawfully faced significant consequences, including the seizure of vessels and equipment and potential imprisonment. Acting Deputy Commander of Maritime Border Command Brooke Dewar said authorities remained committed to detecting and disrupting illegal fishing activity.
Australian agencies also work with the Indonesian government on education and information campaigns aimed at discouraging fishers from venturing into Australian waters, as part of broader efforts to protect marine resources and maintain border security.
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