New Delhi, December 18, 2021: The WA government is urging the Commonwealth to “step up” and halt the surge in illegal foreign fishing boats harvesting seafood in a pristine marine park.
Fresh footage obtained by the ABC shows Indonesian crews have returned to the Rowley Shoals Marine Park within weeks of a crackdown that resulted in boats being burnt at sea.
The footage, shot by a local charter operator in late November, shows Indonesian sailors waving and smiling at the camera.
Western Australian Fisheries Minister Don Punch says it is unacceptable.
“It’s a serious matter, as it has a big impact on the marine ecology of the Rowley Shoals, but also on the charter boat tourism that’s happening in the area,” he said.
Intercepted foreign fishing vessels in Australian fishing zone
The situation is complicated by the multiple government agencies involved.
The Rowley Shoals are within a WA government marine park, but the federal Australian Border Force is primarily responsible for keeping foreign vessels out of Australian waters.
Local skippers are worried the illegal fishing will intensify in coming months, due to the northern wet season.
It’s understood the WA government boats that usually patrol the Kimberley marine parks have headed south for maintenance, as the monsoon season makes it dangerous to be at sea.
In a statement, the Australian Border Force said its surveillance and enforcement will continue throughout the summer.
“The Australian Border Force is actively responding to reports of foreign fishing vessels in the vicinity of Rowley Shoals,” the statement said.
“Maritime Border Command operations will continue throughout the monsoon season, noting adverse conditions also impacts on illegal fishers.”
Piracy concerns
But locals believe the Indonesian fishermen have the determination, desperation and equipment to continue fishing amid the wet season storms according to the reports published in abc.net.au.
Kimberley Marine Tourism Association chair Jig Albert says the situation poses several risks.
“Our operators are massively concerned because the Indonesians are netting, walking on the reefs, collecting trepang, harvesting shark and — what’s really disturbing — is they’re taking the giant clams, which take years and years to grow,” Mr Albert said.
“There’s also the concern about biosecurity hazards like COVID-19.
“And these people are really desperate, so there’s the risk of piracy as well.”
‘It is open slather’
One veteran Kimberley skipper, who didn’t want his charter business to be identified, told the ABC the Indonesian crews seem organised and well-resourced.
“Some of them are well set-up, with good boats, solar panels and GPS navigators,” he said.
“They know what they’re doing and they know what they’re after.
“If it’s allowed to keep going, they’ll realise it’s open slather, and they will wipe the joint out .”
