PNG boat caught in Australian fish zone

A PAPUA New Guinean fishing vessel has been apprehended for illegal fishing in the Torres Strait.

The Maritime Border Control and Australian Fisheries Management Authority caught the vessel in Australian waters yesterday.

Maritime Border Control witnessed the PNG-registered vessel crossing into the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone west of Thursday Island.

Personnel on board the Australian Defence vessel

Cape Byron boarded the illegal fishing vessel when it was 5km within the zone.

A total of 500kg of fresh fish and nine tonnes of frozen fish were discovered.

The 29 people on the vessel were detained and will be investigated further by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

MBC Commander Rear Admiral Peter Laver said the MBC and AFMA and would continue to patrol Australian waters for illegal fishers.

“Australia’s well-managed Commonwealth fisheries are tempting for foreign fishing vessels,” he said.

“We maintain continuous watch and response capability within the AEEZ to deter where possible, but intercept and apprehend illegal foreign vessels who attempt to conduct illegal activity in Australian waters.

“Those attempting to steal from our marine environments should be on notice – they will be caught.”