The Navy has apprehended a 34-meter Indonesian fishing boat caught poaching in Australia’s northern waters, the biggest illegal foreign fishing craft seized in 12 months.
The Mitra 2139, was intercepted off the
An initial search found the ship was allegedly carrying more than two tons of illegally caught fish.
The boat and its crew of 16 have been escorted to
The Australian understands a sophisticated suite of satellite navigation equipment has been found, indicating the vessel could be part of a well-organized criminal racket.
The federal Government has expressed strong concern about the presence of such a large vessel being apprehended inside Australian territorial waters.
Fisheries Minister Tony Burke said: “Most boats apprehended are smaller, timber boats less than 12 meters long, but this is a steel-hulled fishing vessel nearly three times that size.â€
â€Authorities will continue investigating. The Rudd Government is serious about the fight against illegal fishing, because it puts pressure on fish stocks and uses boats which can spread pests or disease.â€
A total of 37 foreign fishing boats, mostly Indonesian, have been apprehended so far this year. It compares with 125 apprehensions last year and 176 in 2006.
The 2007 figures also include 10 unrecorded “legislative forfeitures†where the catch and fishing gear is seized but the boat is not.
The fall in illegal boat apprehensions is due to an intensive education campaign to warn traditional Indonesian fishermen against straying into Australian waters, said Australian Fisheries Management Authority spokesman, Nigel Catchlove.
Fish species targeted by the poachers are trepang (sea slug), shark, tuna and reef fish.
There is growing concern about criminal gangs involved in the lucrative trade.
Mr. Catchlove said: “Illegal fishing is a sophisticated business and we can seize boats, gear and catch. Last week an Indonesian fisherman was fined $120,000 in a