Five Indonesian nationals have pleaded guilty to illegal fishing in Australian waters, in a Northern Territory court.
On July 7 this year, Australian authorities intercepted an Indonesian vessel fishing illegally inside the Australian Territorial Sea near New Year Island, about 294km northeast of Darwin.
Authorities seized the vessel along with 50kg of shark fin, 80kg of bait fish and a substantial quantity of fishing equipment.
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The crew was detained and transported to Darwin.
The vessel was destroyed on land.
The fishers were charged with fishing offences.
After pleading guilty they were released on $1000 recognisance orders with the condition to be of good behaviour for the next three years.
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They have since been returned to Indonesia.
“Australia’s healthy fisheries resources are an attractive target for illegal fishing operators,” Australian Fisheries Management Authority general manager fishing operations Justin Bathurst said.
“Sharks are an important part of a healthy ecosystem, helping to control the balance of marine species and ensuring ecological stability.
“Removing sharks from the marine ecosystem threatens the health of our well-managed fisheries.”
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