Australia and Indonesia Strengthen Regional Border Protection

Australia and Indonesia have successfully undertaken a third coordinated fisheries patrol targeting illegal fishing in the Arafura Sea.

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, said the eight day operation from 28 November to 5 December 2008 demonstrated a cooperative approach to safeguarding the Australian–Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from illegal fishing.

The patrol involved Australian Customs Vessels Triton and Hervey Bay, Indonesian Fisheries Vessels Hiu Macan 001 and Hiu Macan 002 and a Coastwatch aircraft.

During the operation, the Indonesian Fisheries Vessels boarded a number of suspicious fishing vessels in the Indonesian EEZ and apprehended an alleged illegal foreign fishing vessel.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said the coordinated patrol signified the serious action that both countries were taking to tackle illegal fishing in the region.

“Illegal fishing is an international problem and the success of the coordinated patrol demonstrates what can be achieved through international cooperation,” he said.

The eight day operation was coordinated by Australia’s Border Protection Command from the Australian Maritime Security Operations Centre within the new Customs 24-hour Integrated Operations Centre.

Mr Debus said the joint coordinated patrols further strengthened ties between Australia and Indonesia and were an effective response to illegal activities in the two country’s maritime zones.

“Illegal fishing is an international problem that poses serious environmental, quarantine, health and security threats to all nations,” he said.

“Australia and Indonesia will continue to work together to stem illegal activity in our respective Exclusive Economic Zones.”

Mr Debus thanked the Indonesian authorities and crews of the Indonesian patrol vessels for their support for the operation.

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