The federal government has invested an additional $55.8 million through the 2026 budget to address border and biosecurity threats from illegal foreign fishing in Australia’s northern waters.
Around the globe, an estimated $32 billion a year, or 20 per cent of the world’s fish catch, is lost to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. While analysis of Australia’s seafood supply chains shows the bulk of seafood imports were assessed as lower risk of containing product caught through IUU fishing practices, the government stated it is taking action to lower the risk of IUU seafood being imported.
Australia employs a multifaceted approach to combat IUU fishing, taking strong enforcement action, preventing illegal catches from landing at ports, cooperating with international partners and building regional capacity to address the issue.
Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, said protecting Australian waters from illegal fishing is part of preserving the country’s industry, environment and sovereignty.
“Australian Border Force surveillance and patrol capabilities are active across vast and remote maritime regions. Foreign fishers who operate in Australian waters illegally risk losing their haul, their equipment, their vessel, and their freedom,” said Burke.
Across the last financial year, there have been 46 legislative forfeitures on fishing vessels in our northern waters, with more than 11,200 kilograms of sea cucumber and over 6500 of other catch seized by Maritime Border Command.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said illegal fishers undermine efforts to sustainably manage our fish stocks and their operations can damage reefs and sensitive marine habitats.
“They also pose a serious biosecurity risk through the movement of pests and diseases,” said Collins.
“Our approach combines strong domestic enforcement and close cooperation with regional partners to tackle this challenge. Our additional investment strengthens our ability to detect, deter and respond to illegal foreign fishing in our northern waters.”
The 2026-27 budget includes $55.8 million to address border and biosecurity threats from illegal foreign fishing activities in Australia’s northern waters, including $3 million to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. The funds will support maintaining the presence of the Australian Border Force (ABF) in the region, as well as supporting prosecutions by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and legal support by the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.
An additional $14.5 million of funding has been provided for the sustainment of new ABF patrol vessels.
The actions aim to protect Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which employ around 14,000 people, and in 2024-25 had a production value of around $3.7 billion, and an export value of $1.5 billion. Australia also imported 227,000 tonnes of edible seafood in 2024-25, valued at $2.4 billion.
