Help protect WA’s Northern waters: spot and report illegal foreign fishing
Illegal foreign fishing threatens fish stocks, fragile habitats and the fishing lifestyle we all value in WA’s North. Recfishwest has partnered with the Australian Border Force (ABF) so fishers can quickly report suspicious or illegal foreign fishing activity straight from the free Recfishwest app. The in-app button links directly to ABF’s Border Watch Online Report form, helping get accurate information to the right people fast.
Why this matters
ABF has detected increased illegal foreign fishing vessel activity in WA’s northern waters (including remote areas such as the Kimberley Marine Park). With thousands of local fishers on the water, our community is uniquely placed to be the eyes and ears that help protect our coast and marine life.
What to look out for
Keep an eye out for vessels that show any of the following:
• Operating unusually close to shore or within restricted zones
• Loitering or anchoring without a clear reason
• No visible name, registration or flag
• Unusual equipment, cargo or deck activity
• People or goods being transferred between vessels
If it doesn’t feel right — flag it.
What details to note (don’t approach)
For your safety, do not make contact or take risks. From a safe distance, please note the following, as these details can help ABF assess and respond:
• Location: GPS if possible (or nearest landmark)
• Date & time of observation
• Vessel details: size, colour, markings, name/registration (if any)
• Activity observed: fishing gear deployed, unloading, unusual manoeuvres
• People: number on board, visible features
• Other useful details: nearby vehicles/trailers, gear used onshore
How to report (two easy options)
Option 1: Via the Recfishwest app (fastest for fishers)
1. Open the Recfishwest app (click here to download our app)
2. Tap My Tools
3. Select Report Suspicious Fishing Activities and follow the prompts (submits into ABF’s Border Watch flow)
Reports can be anonymous. Every report helps protect Australia’s borders, marine life and our fishing lifestyle.
Option 2: Direct to ABF — Border Watch Online Report
Prefer a browser? Lodge a report directly with ABF here: Border Watch Online Report (Department of Home Affairs).
Safety first — do/don’t
• Do keep your distance and maintain situational awareness
• Do record details discretely (photos from safe distance if lawful/safe to do so)
• Don’t intercept, follow, or confront any vessel or person
• Don’t post specifics publicly that could compromise an investigation
Privacy and anonymity
You can submit information anonymously via the app/Border Watch. Include as much detail as you can; it’s the detail that makes reports actionable.
About the partnership
This is the first time in Australia that a recreational fishing app has provided a direct reporting pathway to ABF for suspected illegal foreign fishing – enabling WA fishers to play an even greater role as ocean stewards.