PNG Waters Breached by Foreign Fishing Fleet

 Papua New Guinea’s southern maritime border has come under pressure after police in Daru raised a high-level security alert over the presence of more than 50 Indonesian fishing vessels operating illegally in PNG waters, stretching from the South Fly District in Western Province into parts of Gulf.

The foreign fleet was first detected last month during a joint patrol involving security forces and PNG Customs officials aboard a tugboat. Despite attempts to intercept the vessels, authorities say the boats used their superior speed to evade capture and escape into open seas.

PNG Waters Breached by Foreign Fishing Fleet /Photo illegal fishing boat  [Supplied]

Police in Daru have since confirmed that sightings have increased, with reports coming from the mouth of the Fly River, the Bamu area, and further east near the Turama and Kikori river systems. The expanding footprint of the vessels has raised concerns about border control and the protection of marine resources.

Coastal communities in the affected areas have expressed anger, accusing the foreign crews of openly exploiting local fishing grounds. Reports from villagers indicate that traditional fishing activities have been disrupted, with damage caused to equipment relied upon for daily sustenance.

“The Indonesian fishermen are allegedly checking and stealing catches from local nets, and destroying the nets in the process,” police sources said.

Further sightings have also been reported at Moon Passage, a strategically important reef corridor bordering Papua New Guinea and Australian waters, according to local divers based in Daru.

Tensions escalated recently when auxiliary police attempted to approach the foreign crews along the Fly River, an encounter that nearly turned violent.

“Our auxiliary police personnel at Fly River were advised to approach those Indonesian fishermen; however, they were nearly attacked by them,” Daru police said.