The Australian Border Force (ABF) has highlighted its work to stop foreign fishers entering Australian waters and fishing illegally by championing its joint taskforce with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and its collaboration with other Federal and State Government bodies.
Commander of the joint-Agency taskforce Maritime Border Command (MBC) and Rear Admiral of the Royal Australian Navy, Mark Hill said MBC spear-headed the ABF’s effort to combat illegal fishing activities.
“Globally, Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant environmental issue and threat to sustainable fisheries,” Rear Admiral Hill said.
“Our message to illegal foreign fishers in Australian waters is simple: We will target you and intercept you,” he said.
“You will lose your catch, your equipment and possibly even your vessel.”
Rear Admiral Hill said Australia had about 37,000 kilometres of coastline and an offshore maritime area of almost 45 million square kilometres.
“The combined ABF and ADF air and sea assets, with their state-of-the-art surveillance, intelligence and detection technologies, enable us to respond to a wide range of maritime security threats across this vast domain,” he said.
“In the 2020-2021 financial year, MBC apprehended 85 illegal fishing vessels in Australian waters – seizing equipment and contraband such as nets and fishing gear, as well as catch including trepang (sea cucumber), shark fin and finfish.”
The Commander said these actions also resulted in the destruction of 12 illegal fishing vessels.
Rear Admiral Hill said that, last financial year, MBC also targeted illegal fishing through joint operations with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Parks Australia and the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
“We are committed to protecting Australia’s maritime environment and defending our borders, including against illegal attempts to fish in Australian waters,” he said.
“The combined efforts of MBC and partner Agencies enable surveillance, patrol and response capabilities to combat illegal activity and threats to Australia’s border,” Rear Admiral Hill said.
