The Australian Border Force (ABF) has seized and destroyed two illegal Indonesian fishing vessels off the Northern Territory coast, employing a hardline approach reminiscent of former Indonesian fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti. This latest operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal migration and unauthorized fishing in the remote region, where government oversight is limited.
Aboriginal rangers near Maningrida, a secluded village without national road access, spotted the vessels and alerted the ABF. On Sunday, ABF units intercepted the boats near Maningrida and Port Essington, detaining the fishermen and confiscating 1,200 kilograms of illegally harvested sea cucumbers along with fishing equipment. The vessels were destroyed at sea, in line with Australian law.
“ABF is dedicated to responding to every report of illegal foreign fishing in the Northern Territory,” stated Commander Griffin. He also commended the Djelk Rangers for their vigilance, emphasizing the crucial role Indigenous ranger groups play in border protection.
In December, the ABF launched a targeted operation to intercept foreign fishing vessels along the vast, unpatrolled coastline. The initiative has already yielded results, with 12 vessels interdicted and six tonnes of illegal catch seized in its first month.
Illegal fishing has long plagued Aboriginal communities, but the issue has intensified alongside rising concerns over human smuggling. In October, reports surfaced of up to 30 unauthorized migrants arriving in the Northern Territory, sparking political controversy in Australia, where maritime migration remains strictly controlled.
Source: Swifteradio.com
