Inside the crackdown on a $23 billion black market

Black market fishing, a global phenomenon costing legal operators billions annually, is facing increased scrutiny in Australia. Authorities are implementing harsher penalties and bolstering surveillance to combat illegal fishing practices.

In Queensland, a 43-year-old man was caught poaching mud crabs and selling them on the black market. Mud crabs can fetch up to $64 per kilo, making them a lucrative target for poachers. The man was convicted, fined $10,000, and had his boat destroyed. Last year, a Gold Coast man was caught hiding crabs in his boat, with more boxes of crabs found at his property following a raid. Authorities aim to send a clear message that unlawful activities in Queensland will not go unpunished.

Illegal fishing poses significant threats to marine ecosystems and can be linked to other crimes such as labor exploitation and human rights abuses. It involves activities like fishing in protected areas, ignoring catch quotas, and using prohibited gear. The domestic illicit seafood trade in Australia includes both recreational and commercial anglers poaching fish and selling it on the black market. This undermines the ability of local fishers to make a living and erodes public access to legally caught fish.

Australian fisheries authorities have intensified their efforts to combat illegal fishing. Prosecutions have tripled in Western Australia, with more than triple the number of prosecutions in 2025 compared to 2024. In Queensland, 1,809 reports of illegal fishing were investigated, leading to 14 prosecutions. Victoria issued 1,219 fines in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year.

New South Wales has introduced new legislation with increased fines, up to $44,000, and is investing in new technology, including night vision equipment, to track offenders. Authorities are also raising awareness about the dangers of incorrect seafood labeling, as it can indicate illegal fishing and potential health risks.