Illegal Fishing Vessel Caught In Australian Fishing Zone

ILLEGAL FISHING VESSEL CAUGHT IN AUSTRALIAN FISHING ZONE

An operation coordinated by Border Protection Command has led to the
apprehension of an illegal foreign fishing vessel inside the Australian Fishing Zone.

The illegal vessel was intercepted approximately 40 nautical miles north-west of
Bigge Island, Western Australia.

The vessel was initially detected by a Customs and Border Protection Dash-8
surveillance aircraft and is alleged to have been trying to take trochus a type of sea snail sought for its valuable shell from the Australian Fishing Zone.

The 13 crew of the vessel have been apprehended under the Fisheries Management
Act 1991 and taken to Darwin. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is
currently investigating the matter.

The Commander of Border Protection Command, Rear Admiral Allan du Toit, said
the vessel was intercepted and apprehended by the ACV HOLDFAST BAY, under
the control of Border Protection Command.

Rear Admiral du Toit praised the efforts of Border Protection Command personnel
involved in the apprehension of the vessel after it was boarded in the early hours of 1 January 2010.

Rear Admiral du Toit said "The successful apprehension of foreign fishing vessels demonstrates the effectiveness of Border Protection Command to detect and respond to all maritime threats in Australian waters.

"Border Protection Command has a total of up to 18 vessels and up to 14 aircraft
patrolling Australian waters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"Under the control of Border Protection Command, officers from Customs, the
Australian Defence Force, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service will continue to work together to
monitor and manage maritime threats to Australia."

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SOURCE: Customs and Border Protection and Australian Fisheries Management Authority