Surge in Foreign Vessel Activity Prompts Concerns Across Northern Australia

Australian authorities have reported a significant increase in foreign vessel activity across northern Australian waters, leading to multiple interceptions by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in recent weeks. These incidents, which include vessels approaching the mainland and engaging in alleged illegal fishing, have triggered responses from both federal agencies and local communities. While the federal government asserts enhanced border protection measures are in place, local leaders in the Torres Strait have expressed concerns regarding the scale and impact of these incursions.

Recent Incursions and Interceptions

The new year has seen a series of notable incidents. In early January, an ABF interception occurred approximately 100 meters from the Australian mainland, targeting a foreign fishing vessel. Days later, another vessel was filmed near Prince of Wales Island.

On January 14, men from a foreign vessel landed on Roko Island, Far North Queensland, requesting refreshments before reboarding their boat. This event, captured on CCTV, led to the vessel's subsequent interception by the ABF near the mainland.

Community reports were crucial on January 21, when a Boigu Island resident observed up to nine unfamiliar boats near Turnagain Island. This intelligence led to an ABF interception on January 24 of four Indonesian vessels near Turnagain Island. Officers seized fishing equipment and 38 shark fins. Two vessels and their crews were escorted out of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone, with plans for the remaining two to be destroyed. No charges were laid against the crew members at that time.

Last week, a scenic helicopter crew near Gove in the Northern Territory spotted a foreign fishing boat. The ABF confirmed the interception and subsequent destruction of this Indonesian vessel on January 29, following reports of suspicious activity. Onboard, officers discovered 5kg of catch, four shark fins, 400kg of salt for preserving catch, and assorted fishing equipment. The crew was transported to Darwin for investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Additionally, a resident flying to Boigu Island last week reported seeing multiple foreign fishing boats operating in Australian waters.

Government Response and Enhanced Operations

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed the issue, affirming the federal government's commitment to combating illegal foreign fishing with "record funding." He highlighted increased funding, resources, and surveillance efforts.

"The policy for illegal foreign fishers is interception, loss of catch and equipment, and potential vessel destruction."

The Prime Minister underscored two ongoing operations targeting illegal fishing across northern Australia:

• Operation Leedstrum, launched in 2023, targets vessels in northern Western Australia.
• Operation Lunar, launched in 2024, addresses the issue in the Northern Territory.

The ABF has acknowledged and thanked the Torres Strait community for their reports, encouraging continued vigilance regarding suspicious activities. However, the ABF did not comment on whether surveillance in northern Queensland would be increased.

Torres Strait Leaders Raise Alarms

Despite federal assurances, leaders in the Torres Strait contend that federal claims of strong border protections do not align with observations from communities in Far North Queensland.

Ned David, chair of the Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK), highlighted the persistent challenges in managing Australia's northern maritime border.

Torres Strait Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat expressed concerns about the incidents and a perceived "lack of urgency" from authorities regarding increased foreign vessel activity.

"Federal assurances do not reflect the local reality."

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby stated that he has observed an increase in foreign fishing and border breaches over the past 18 months, indicating a more visible problem for islanders. Mr. Mosby also noted increased breaches by Papua New Guinea fishers and raised questions regarding the effectiveness of current measures, including the adequacy of investment or security infrastructure.

Residents have voiced concerns regarding their safety and security. Local leaders, including Mayor Mosby, have identified risks to livelihoods, cultural practices, and the preservation of marine resources essential to their communities due to illegal fishing. They advocate for equipping local communities to protect borders and marine resources, emphasizing the need for sustained commitment and coordinated action to safeguard island communities.

Drivers Behind the Incursions

Kim Riskas, program manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, identified depleted fish stocks in Indonesian waters and high overseas market prices as key drivers for these incursions.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) confirmed that illegal fishing poses significant environmental and biosecurity risks, as Australia's well-managed fisheries are attractive targets. Illegal catches are reported to undermine sustainable management and impact law-abiding local fishers by contributing to unreported catch. Australia's northern coastline is identified as a frequent target for foreign fishers.