Minister media release

Foreign fishers caught with shark fin in Australian waters - 29 June 2010

The Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor says Border Protection Command today apprehended a foreign vessel suspected of illegally fishing in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

“It’s alleged that the boat was stopped about 48 nautical miles north west of Maningrida in the Northern Territory and officers found about 20 kilograms of shark fin on board,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Shark fin is a regarded as a delicacy in some parts of Asia but it is illegal for foreign vessels to take marine life from this part of Australian waters.”

The boat’s five crew members will be transported to Darwin for interview by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

“Australia enforces strict penalties upon those who violate our foreign fishing laws. Offenders face fines of up to $825 000 and Australian authorities can destroy boats involved in illegal foreign fishing,” Mr O’Connor said.

The boat was initially detected by a Dash-8 surveillance aircraft early this morning and was later apprehended by HMAS Albany. The operation was under the control of Border Protection Command and was conducted in support of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

“This apprehension, and many others, show that our strategic border response to detect and deter illegal foreign fishing within Australia’s maritime domain is working.

“Our approach includes working closely with Indonesian agencies to stem illegal activity in our respective Exclusive Economic Zones,” Mr O’Connor said.

Australia has now conducted nine joint patrols with Indonesia with the most recent concluding in last month.

“Working closely with our nearest neighbour has contributed to a notable reduction in foreign fishing vessels operating in Australia’s northern waters,” Mr O’Connor said.

In 2005-6 there were 367 apprehensions compared to 27 in 2008–9. Vessels observed outside Australian waters are making far fewer incursions into our exclusive economic zone.

Border Protection Command’s proactive surveillance program includes aerial, sea, and land patrols.

“Illegal fishing is a serious international matter and the Gillard Government remains committed to stamping out these offences and safeguarding our border.”

Media Adviser: Jayne Stinson 0458 547 512 jayne.stinson@ag.gov.au