Afant News

Navy Lands a Big One

NORTHERN TERITORY GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE

Kon Vatskalis
MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES

17 July 2006

NAVY LANDS A BIG ONE!

Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis has congratulated the Australian Defence Force and Customs Coastwatch on Friday’s big catch of seven Indonesian ice boats north of Darwin.

Minister Vatskalis said the Territory’s vast coastline presents ongoing challenges for those at the frontline in the fight against illegal foreign fishing.

“The Navy does a tremendous job and let’s not forget that the Territory’s coastline spans about 10,000 kilometres.

“The fact that the ice boats had a staggering 4300kg of fish onboard is a sure sign that illegal foreign fishing vessels have become more sophisticated - that is 4300kg of fish that our local commercial fishermen have lost out on.

“It now appears that Indonesian fishermen are targeting shark fin and now the Territory’s reef fish. This is a worrying trend that will put our export accreditation at risk.

Mr Vatskalis said he has no doubts this latest fleet may have been operating as part of a large illegal fishing syndicate.

“It is no longer the smaller, traditional Indonesian fishing vessels that enter our fishing zone – the equipment that illegal fishers are using has become high tech and the boats are bigger and faster.

“The most effective deterrent will be greater apprehension and destruction of vessels.

“Congratulations to the crew of HMAS Dubbo and HMAS Success on their fantastic efforts in this latest apprehension,” he said.

Contact: Gemma Buxton 0401 110 064

Navigation Warning

A Special Mark navigation buoy with top mark has ben installed in position 12 degrees 28.083 minutes South and 130 degrees 49.766 minutes East with characteristic F1.Y4s.

The buoy indicates the centre of a 500 metre radius area within which it is prohibited to fish, swim or scuba dive, by order of the Harbourmaster, Port By-Law 5A.