Australian border authorities detain 29 Vietnamese for illegal fishing

Australian authorities have detained 29 Vietnamese fisherman on Friday, accusing them of allegedly illegally poaching sea cucumbers off the Australian coastline.

The Vietnamese nationals were spread over two boats, when they were intercepted on Wednesday by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, in the Saumarez Reef in Queensland.

The boats were raided, and authorities said they discovered sea cucumbers, leading them to take both the vessels and their crew back to their headquarters.

Scott Clemenz, Parks Australia's head of marine parks compliance was adamant that illegal fishing must be brought to an end in order to protect the marine ecosystem in Australia.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority, who partnered with the ABF in detaining the vessels were pleased with the result, while their general manager of operations Peter Venslovas, issued a warning to anyone thinking of conducting similar operations.

"Foreign fishers seeking to take advantage and target our fish resources will be caught and run the risk of being prosecuted and having their boats confiscated and destroyed," Venslovas said.

Last year 10 Vietnamese boats were held by Australian authorities, 121 Vietnamese fisherman were convicted of illegal poaching, and over 32,000 tonnes of sea cucumber were seized. Endit