Australian Border Force Intercepts Third Foreign Fishing Vessel Off Western Australia Coast

The Australian Border Force (ABF) detained a foreign fishing vessel and its crew near Scott Reef off the Western Australia coast on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, marking the third such interception in the region within a ten-day period.

The vessel was located by the ABFC Cape Byron during ongoing surveillance operations across Australia's northern maritime approaches. According to the ABF, two other vessels had been detected earlier in the month—one near Scott Reef on 22 September and another near Cartier Island on 24 September.

Upon boarding the vessel, ABF officers reported finding evidence of suspected fisheries offences. Authorities found and seized approximately 100 kilograms of reef fish, 60 kilograms of sea cucumber, and one tonne of salt intended for preserving catch, alongside the vessel's fishing equipment.

Following consultation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the crew was detained and is being transferred to Darwin for further investigation regarding suspected breaches of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth). The ABF stated that the seized vessel will be safely destroyed in accordance with Australian law, environmental protocols, and biosecurity requirements.

ABF Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command Natasha O'Farrell stated that officers remain active across the northern coastline to prevent illegal foreign fishing, noting that the apprehension reinforces the agency's continuous surveillance in the area.

Source