Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has played a decisive role in the detection of two foreign fishing vessels suspected of trawling illegally in Australian Waters.
Australian Border Force’s (ABF) Maritime Border Command, in partnership with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), apprehended 15 foreign fishers on the vessels west of the Torres Strait, on 18 June, after being spotted by advanced airborne surveillance supported by Babcock.
Babcock’s helicopter crew reported the presence of the fishing boats near Deliverance Island to ABF vessel Roebuck Bay and then provided on-top support as it intercepted the vessels within the Warul Kawa Indigenous Protected Area.
The arrests form part of the ABF’s ongoing efforts to target illegal fishing in the north and northwest of Australia and is a critical step in preserving Australia’s marine environment.
The large fishing vessels were equipped with a substantial quantity of fishing equipment which could have significantly impacted Australia’s healthy fish stocks. The equipment and vessels were seized and lawfully disposed of by AFMA.
The fishing crews pleaded guilty to fishing illegally in Australian waters at Darwin Local Court earlier this month.
Babcock Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services Duncan Milne said Babcock’s skilled personnel and aircraft – equipped with sophisticated strategic and tactical aerial surveillance equipment, including an electro optic camera system – provided the ABF with important assets to support its challenging patrol work.
“Protecting our borders is a joint effort and we are proud of the role we play supporting ABF officers to fulfil their duty with maximum effect, as well as safeguarding our precious marine resources from threat,” Mr Milne said.
“I commend the aviation team onboard for their diligence as part of this operation and living our mission of creating a safe and secure world, together.”
Babcock has supported the ABF in the Torres Strait for nearly 30 years. Babcock currently provides pilots, surveillance crew and maintenance on two rotary wing aircraft based on Horn Island.