Working with remote Indonesian communities to prevent illegal fishing
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is working with remote fishing communities and government authorities in Indonesia to prevent illegal fishing before it occurs.
Many boats caught fishing illegally in Australian waters come from certain regions in Indonesia, and this informs where information campaigns are delivered. The presence of Indonesian vessels in Australian waters poses significant maritime risks, with serious implications for protected marine environments, as well as commercial and recreational fishing and aquaculture.
In July and August 2024, AFMA and Indonesia’s Directorate-General of Surveillance and Control of Marine and Fishery Resources delivered educational workshops in Oesapa and Papela, East Nusa Tenggara province. More than 300 people attended to learn about maritime boundaries, sustainable fisheries management, risks to human life, and serious legal consequences including jail time and loss of boats. In the past 5 years, AFMA has run 11 campaigns in regions including Saumlaki, Rote Island and Southeast Sulawesi.
AFMA delivered educational workshops to fishing communities in Indonesia, in partnership with Indonesia’s Directorate-General of Surveillance and Control of Marine and Fishery Resources.
Image: Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Working together
AFMA’s public information campaigns rely on key partnerships. These partnerships are with Indonesia’s Directorate for Fisherman Protection and Empowerment and Directorate General of Surveillance of Marine and Fisheries Resources, as well as Australian Border Force, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Defence Force.
Engagement with local governments in Indonesia is essential to ensure target audiences attend the workshops. Participation is encouraged from all relevant groups, including local and national media, observers and researchers.
Indonesian National Police officers contribute by delivering messages on related matters involving mariners and fishers. The visible presence of Australian and Indonesian authorities working together, along with local governments, demonstrates collaboration and commitment from all agencies to addressing illegal fishing.
Benefits for the community
The public information campaigns engage entire fishing communities and contribute to less illegal fishing in Australian waters over time. The program benefits the Australian community by helping to protect fish stocks, safeguard biosecurity, and strengthen border security.
Flow-on impacts can include reductions in costs associated with detection and destruction of foreign fishing vessels and less fishers held within Australia’s immigration detention network. Another expected benefit is fewer incidents requiring responses to foreign fishing vessels in distress under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
In addition to working with Indonesia, the AFMA contributes to capacity-building initiatives across the Asia–Pacific to prevent illegal fishing at its sources.
Find out more
Australian Fisheries Management Authority (2024) Fisheries partnership stopping illegal fishing at its source, AFMA website, accessed 12 August 2025.
Australian Embassy Indonesia (2025) Indonesia and Australia Strengthen Cooperation to Prevent Illegal Foreign Fishing, Australian Embassy Indonesia website, accessed 12 August 2025.