With the federal election fast approaching, a Coalition has vowed to tackle illegal foreign fishing head-on — a growing threat to maritime sovereignty and the seafood industry.
In a direct challenge to the Albanese Labor government, the Coalition slammed what it calls a “soft-touch approach”to foreign vessels poaching in Australian waters, particularly in the country’s north. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said that if elected, his government would launch a full review of Operation Lunar, the key surveillance and enforcement effort currently tasked with stopping these illegal incursions.
The Coalition’s fisheries policy, unveiled this week, promises to strengthen coordination between the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force. The goal: ensure that these agencies are properly resourced and equipped to protect Australia’s $3.56 billion fisheries and aquaculture industry from criminal exploitation.
“Illegal foreign fishing is not just a border issue — it’s an economic and environmental threat,” a Coalition spokesperson said. “Labor has failed to act, and the data proves it.”
According to AFMA’s own figures, 237 foreign vessels were caught illegally fishing in Australian waters during the 2023–24 financial year — nearly double the previous year’s total and far above the 10-year average of just 20 vessels. The worst-hit areas include the Kimberley Marine Park and parts of the Northern Territory.
Many of the vessels originate from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and their illegal activities often target high-value marine resources like sea cucumber, a delicacy that can fetch thousands of dollars per kilo on the black market.
In March, 11 Indonesian nationals were convicted in Darwin for illegal fishing offenses. Authorities seized over 1.3 tonnes of sea cucumber and destroyed their vessels, sending a clear message that Australia will not tolerate marine poaching.
The Coalition argues that Labor’s failure to act decisively has only emboldened foreign poachers and weakened confidence in the integrity of Australia’s marine borders.
“A Coalition government will put Australia first — protecting our waters, our economy, and our environment,” Dutton said.
With the election nearing, the contrast on national security — above and below the surface — couldn’t be clearer.
