Australia has intensified action against illegal fishing in its northern waters, with five foreign vessels intercepted and destroyed at sea under Operation BROADSTAFF.

The Australian Border Force said the recent cases were recorded near Albany Island, the Escape River on Cape York Peninsula, and waters off Trochus Island. Two boats were intercepted on 20 February 2026 near Albany Island, one vessel was stopped on 3 March 2026 in the Escape River, and two more were intercepted on 7 March 2026 near Trochus Island.

Officials said vessel seizure and disposal remain a central enforcement measure aimed at deterring unlawful fishing activity in Australian waters. Maritime Border Command Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar said the operation’s opening phase had already delivered results, with authorities detecting foreign fishing boats earlier and stopping some of them before any illegal fishing took place.

According to Australian Border Force figures, 19 foreign fishing vessels had been intercepted in waters off northern Queensland and the Torres Strait since 1 January 2026. Of those, nine were destroyed.

Operation BROADSTAFF brings together intelligence-led patrols, aerial surveillance, maritime assets and information from local communities to detect and track suspected illegal fishing activity. In addition to vessel destruction, authorities said enforcement measures include seizing fishing gear, giving information to crews and escorting some boats out of Australian waters.

The Australian Border Force said monitoring and enforcement activity would continue across the Torres Strait and nearby areas.