Kimberley Marine Park: 3000kg of trepang, 27 shark fins seized in operation combatting illegal fishing

Australian authorities have seized thousands of kilograms of illegally caught seafood from foreign fishermen in the state’s precious Kimberley region. The operation — dubbed Palisade — involved 12 days of intense surveillance throughout the Kimberley Marine Park in September. The Maritime Border Command (MBC) joined forces with the Australian Border Force to combat increases in illegal foreign fishermen, conducting air, sea and land surveillance operations. During the operation, officers intercepted 18 foreign fishing vessels and seized more than 3000kg of trepang and 27 shark fins. Authorities also seized 70kg of other fish and shark meat, countless pieces of fishing equipment, and more than 3500kg of salt used by foreign fishers to preserve the catch. MBC Commander Rear Admiral Justin Jones praised the cooperation of agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the exploitation of Australia’s natural resources. “This is the first time we have conducted Operation Palisade, and we are reaping the rewards — we have gained significant intelligence about foreign fishers’ behaviour, disposed of some fishing vessels and seized a huge amount of their catch,” he said. “The seizures send a clear message to foreign fishers that stealing Australian resources will not be tolerated. “I have been impressed by the professionalism, focus and drive of our forces, this would not have been achieved without outstanding cooperation and initiative from all agencies involved.” MBC has observed a significant increase in illegal foreign fishing activity in the Kimberley Marine Park in 2023, with vessels making increasingly regular and deep journeys into coastal waters. Cmdr Jones said that although operation Palisade had concluded, MBC continues to work with its partners to combat illegal fishing and take decisive action at every opportunity. In December last year, four Indonesian fishermen were convicted for taking shark fins and poaching fish in Kimberley waters. The four men were spotted off the remote Sir Graham Moore island, more than 150 nautical miles inside Australia’s exclusive economic zone. Members of the public can report suspicious border-related activity to Border Watch by visiting www.borderwatch.gov.au. Reports can be made anonymously.