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Editors --- "Navy operation shows significance of protecting environment" [1998] AUFPPlatypus 8; (1998) 58 Platypus: Journal of the Australian Federal Police, Article 8


Navy operation shows significance of protecting environment

The significance of maritime crime was highlighted in October last year with the apprehension of two vessels allegedly operating illegally in Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone around Heard and McDonald Islands in the Southern Ocean.

The apprehension of the boats, registered in Belize and Panama, was made by members of the Australian Navy on the frigate HMAS Anzac in extremely hazardous conditions.

The Naval Task Group undertook the operation in the far reaches of the Southern Ocean in harsh weather conditions of low visibility, strong winds and high seas in an effort to combat the growing illegal trade in the Patagonian toothfish which is sold on international markets in Japan, Europe and the USA.

The Navy worked closely with officers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority during the operation.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, said "The apprehension of two foreign fishing vessels allegedly operating illegally in Australian waters represents a major success for the government in its efforts to protect Australia's national interests and our sovereign rights".

Australia worked closely with France in the lead up to the apprehensions, Mr Downer said.

A joint media statement from the ministers for Defence, the Environment, Resources and Energy and Foreign Affairs said that illegal fishing had the capacity to do great harm to marine species in the Southern Ocean.

It would also threaten some of the values that had led to our World Heritage nomination for the Heard and McDonald Islands.

The capture of the vessels was a positive step towards ensuring the long term preservation of the environment in the Southern Ocean, the statement said.

The Australian Government allowed Australian operators to fish in our sub-Antarctic waters for toothfish and icefish under extremely tight environmental controls and illegal foreign fishing would not be allowed to ruin this valuable new fishery and the area's sensitive ecology.

The masters of both the vessels apprehended and others involved were to be charged under the Fisheries Management Act. The penalties for illegal foreign fishing can include fines up to $250,000 and the forfeiture of the vessels, gear and catch.

Heard and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean 4,000km south-west of Perth. This is one-and-a-half times further than where the Navy successfully rescued around-the-world yachtsman Tony Bullimore.


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