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Biggest Sport-Fishing Boat in the World

• By Kim Kavin
• Updated: August 20, 2021

Vripack yacht design and Royal Huisman, both in the Netherlands, have unveiled a few tantalizing details about Project 406—which is being built as the world’s largest sport-fishing yacht.

Project 406’s overall size and luxury is the reason it made it on our best sportfishing yachts list . Project 406 has a length overall of 171 feet. That means the vessel will dwarf not only the most sizable 80- to 105-footers from well-known sport-fish builders—such as Viking Yachts, Bayliss Boatworks and Jim Smith Tournament Boats—but also the behemoth one-off sport-fishers such as the 144-foot Trinity Bad Company, 130-foot McMullen & Wing Mea Culpa and 129-foot Yachting Developments Lanakai. As the team at Royal Huisman expressed this reality about Project 406, “This groundbreaking creation will be, by some distance, the largest, most luxurious and individual true sport-fish yacht in the world.”

Aqua Marine is the owner’s representative on the project, with Vripack handling exterior as well as interior design. Technical management will be the purview of Bush & Noble along with Hampshire Marine.

Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman calls Project 406 “the world’s first true sport-fish superyacht,” while Vripack co-creative director Bart M. Bouwhuis says it’s “a sport-fisher on steroids.”

“It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sport-fish boat paired with the harmonious feel of a luxurious superyacht,” Bouwhuis says. “It’s a supersize model with super-chic curves, realized on a grand scale.”

Among the design elements Vripack is touting is a redesigned sky lounge, which will be like a theater with front-row views of the sport-fishing action in the cockpit. The superyacht is projected to come in at 499 gross tons, allowing for a top-end speed in the 30-knot range.

“Project 406 is a true sport- fisher, designed for a private owner who is serious about big-game fishing,” Bouwhuis says. Wih so many accolade

Delivery of Project 406 is scheduled for 2023. Before then, Royal Huisman is expected to launch the 192-foot motoryacht Project Phi, which has a design the yard calls “radical.”

It’s anyone’s guess what that word might come to mean in yacht construction next.

• More: Currents , July 2021 , Royal Huisman , Sport Fishing Yachts , Superyachts , Vripack , Yachts
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The World’s Largest Sportfishing Yacht Is About to Launch in Amsterdam

Project 406 was moved from an inland facility in the netherlands to the capital, where it will depart for billfishing grounds around the world., michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

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Billfish, beware.

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“Project 406 is a sportfishing machine on steroids,” Vripack co-creative director Bart M. Bouwhuis told Robb Report in 2021 as the project became publicly known. “It has the proportions of a typical American sportfishing yacht, with a long, flaring bow and open foredeck, and raked-back superstructure. It’s just bigger in every way. She’ll set a new benchmark in the world of big-game fishing boats.” The boat will include a varnished-wood fighting chair in the cockpit.

The bow will have a large sun-lounge area, while its fourth-deck sky lounge will be a “theater” for watching the sportfishing action. To keep the vessel as lightweight as possible, the hull and superstructure will be made of Alustar aluminum, a strong, high-tensile alloy. Bouwhuis would not reveal the yacht’s power, though he used the word “huge” in the conversation. “You can’t fool nature if you want a 171-foot boat to go this fast,” he says. “It will have significant horsepower.”

Royal Huisman, best known for some of the world’s largest bespoke sailing superyachts , has yet to release a launch date or the eventual name for Project 406.

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World's largest sportfish Special One delivered

The 52-metre Royal Huisman sportfisher Special One has now been delivered. 

The largest sportfisher yacht in the world, Special One was last sighted on her sea trials in late April 2024. The superyacht has been described as a "sportfisher on steroids" and was commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman.

"The individual aspirations and challenges of [this project] were well outside the comfort zone of other yards," said Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman. " Special One showcases our ability to create custom solutions that perfectly align with our client's vision. We are excited to see her embark on her journey and provide unforgettable experiences to her owner: the ultimate expression of personal freedom."

Special One is designed by Dutch studio Vripack and is characterised by a long bow, high bulwarks and a low and uncluttered fishing cockpit aft. She has an all-alumininum Alustar® superstructure with a towering profile that accommodates six decks, fitted out "for both high-end sportsfishing and luxurious living".

Vripack is also responsible for the yacht's interior, which is yet to be revealed. The aluminium yacht is fitted with equipment geared towards hunting larger predatory fish, such as swordfish and marlin. The tower offers a viewing platform to the dedicated fishing area aft and, at night, the yacht will be illuminated by laser-powered exterior lighting.

Speaking more broadly about the project, Timmerman said: "It is well known that the Royal Huisman team likes nothing better than the opportunity to solve fresh engineering challenges – especially if they come in the shape of a unique project concept."

To bring such a unique design to life, Royal Huisman teamed up with the owner's representative and other team members. This includes Bush & Noble for expertise on sportfishing and classic yacht forms and Hampshire Marine for the day-to-day technical aspects at the shipyard.

"This is an exceptional brief," added Vripack co-creative director Bart M Bouwhuis. "And the result is an exceptional boat. It has the true proportions and long flaring bow of a typical American sportfish boat paired with the harmonious feel of a luxurious superyacht. It’s a supersized model with super chic curves, realised on a grand scale."

This follows the news that Royal Huisman is to build an 81-metre sailing yacht, codenamed Noir. She will rank among the 10 largest sailing yachts in the world once delivered.

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Biggest Sport Fishing Boats Ever

• Updated: May 6, 2019

We all like to dream big, and that’s exactly what we were doing when we began researching some of the largest sport fishing boats in the world. We knew going into this research that naturally we’d also be looking at some of the most expensive fishing boats available, and the deeper we got the more we realized how far away our dreams were from reality. Below you’ll find some of the biggest sport fishing boats and yachts available, and what it took to build them.

‘The ACY sport-fisher C’est La Vie features a hull constructed on a permanent steel jig to ensure absolute accuracy. C’est La Vie was handcrafted from the keel up. In order to house a pair of MTU Series 4000 engines, typically found in much larger vessels, a special aluminum engine bed was fitted over the keel, stringers and chine, running the length of the engine room. The C’est La Vie power package incorporates V-drive propulsion with a reduced shaft angle, allowing the boat to push through the water more efficiently and back down quickly on fish without dropping the stern. The boat is also equipped with independent rudder control, allowing for greater maneuverability.

C’est La Vie features an expansive teak mezzanine with a drop-down TV and overhead light boxes that pull down to reveal air conditioning vents to keep guests cool on the water. The navigation and audio-video system was installed by IMS American, providing total automation of all components throughout the vessel, linked remotely by iPad control via a Savant automated control system. An integrated video system allows for around-the-clock monitoring of the engine and pump rooms. Stern-facing underwater cameras allow the bait spread to be viewed on the mezzanine TV.

The biggest challenge faced in building the 90-foot C’est La Vie was fitting high-profile engines in a low-profile sport-fisherman and devising the proper combination of horsepower, shaft angle and running gear to achieve the same speed and performance as ACY’s 65 and 70-footers. After a few adjustments during sea trials, they were able to achieve a top speed of 48 knots.

http://www.americancustomyachts.com/

Bayliss Boatworks 90′

‘In February 2014, Bayliss Boatworks began construction on its largest project to date: the B19 90’ Singularis . The 90-footer will include a teak transom and toe rail, custom center console with wrap around seating forward on the bridge, the electronics and navigational equipment, custom cabinetry, air-actuated parts, creative storage and more. But with the boat’s grander dimensions, some new features can be implemented as well.

The Singularis five-stateroom, six-head layout will feature a full-beam master stateroom, complete with in-suite sofa, a walk-in closet, vanity cabinetry and a 42″ LED Seura mirror TV. There will be three helm chairs, and is claimed to be the first project to include a Seakeeper Gyro stabilizer and a complete Brownies Nitrox system for diving.

http://www.baylissboatworks.com/

Bertram 80′

The new Bertram 80 is the largest ever to be built in their fleet. It will be offered as an enclosed fly bridge, an open fly bridge convertible and an optional sky bridge above the enclosed bridge version to meet a variety of needs.

The exclusive Anti-Rolling Gyro (ARG) system technology comes standard on the 80-footer. It is a special feature to help make for a more comfortable experience in a rolling or trolling environment. The ARGs suppress rolling motion and reduces rolling angle by up to 50 percent. The system takes about 45 minutes to completely spool up and when in operation it significantly improves the ability to safely move about the cabin and to and from the bridge.

Two longitudinal fish boxes are located on either side of a centrally placed fighting chair on as well as a central access hatch to the lazaretto. A pressurized bait well is a central focal point on the transom that can be customized with a plexiglass window and lighting. The wide transom door, low freeboard and low draft have been tailored for offshore anglers.

Down below the 80 has four separate staterooms, each with individual full head. The master stateroom is also offered with multiple cabinetry configurations with drawers and desk or vanity to accommodate the owner’s preferences.

With a top speed of 35 knots and comfortable cruising at 30 knots, it has almost 500 miles of autonomy.

One of the biggest challenges of building this boat was that it was one of the last built in the Miami facility — the facility was designed to manufacture boats only up to 60 feet. Launching the vessel was particularly difficult because the slip wasn’t designed to handle a boat with a 22’ beam, so Bertram needed a crane to lift the boat over the marina facility and into the river.

http://www.bertram.com/

Gamefisherman 46 Flybridge Sportfisherman

The 46 can cruise over 30 knots with its 715 hp Cummins’ twin engines. The boat is fully air-conditioned in the cabin and mezzaine. The salon boasts a teak sole, dinette table and large bunk, which seats up to six people. The cabin sleeps up to four with gear storage.

http://www.gamefisherman.com/

Hatteras 90′

Hatteras’ largest sport-fishing boat is the 90C. The boat was built in 1995, with the first boat delivered in 1996. This was a series of convertibles Hatteras produced at the time, the first one was in 1992, which was an 82C.

There were a total of 23 boats from the series built and sold from 1992-1998. At the time, it had largest diesel engines on a sport-fishing boat — the Deutz 16v-620 engine with 2,900 break hp.

Another unique feature of the 90C is that Hatteras built a bridge upon a bridge, meaning a flybridge on top of an enclosed bridge. There was only one like this built in its fleet.

The biggest challenge with the build process was the draft of the boat due to the large horsepower. Hatteras Engineering and Michigan Wheel designed a hybrid propeller specific for this model.

http://www.hatterasyachts.com/

Henriques 50 Flybridge

The Henriques 50-foot sport-fisherman has been redesigned with new interior design offering a salon, three staterooms, and two heads to accommodate all your overnight guests. The hand-finished teak interior is complemented by the designer décor.

It offers two in-deck fish boxes, transom livewell, freezer, rod holders, engine room access, transom door, and room for a fighting chair to reel. The fly bridge offers a pod-style helm and room to install electronics. A mezzanine is also available as an option. Standard power will come from a pair of C-18 Caterpillars yielding a 30-knot cruise and a top end of 36 knots.

http://www.henriquesyachts.com/

Jarrett Bay 84′

Jarrett Bay’s 84-foot Blank Check is currently under construction and scheduled to deliver mid-2016. The boat is decked out with a MTU 16V2000 Series power package, combined with a 4,000-gallon fuel capacity. The 84 has a 260 square feet in the cockpit, and nearly 22 feet of beam to spread out in its five staterooms. It has a full-beam galley, pantry, six heads and sprawling stand-up engine room.

http://www.jarrettbay.com/

Jim Smith Boats 105′

The 105-footer Marlena is the largest boat built by Jim Smith Boats. She was delivered in June 2013. She is powered by MTU 16 cal M94 at 2600 hp with top speed of 37 knots. There are five guest cabins foreword and two crews’ quarters located mid-ship. The wheel house is as large as salon on a typical 80-footer sport-fisher with sky bridge above. She is fitted with a Seakeeper M6000 gyro stabilizer.

John Vance, president of Jim Smith Boats, says, “As far as we know, this is the largest cold-molded sport-fish ever built.”

Paul Mann’s 81-footer Georgia Girl is the largest sport-fishing boat in their fleet. It was completed in May 2011.

It has a 23’ beam, five staterooms and six heads. It’s adorned with twin MTU 2400 hp 16V 2000 CR engines that makes it cruise at 30 knots and tops at 40.5 knots. The helm and fighting chair are built by Release Marine.

The most challenging part of this build was that it was the first swim platform on one of their boats.

http://www.paulmanncustomboats.com/

Maverick 46′

The 46 is an upcoming model for Maverick Yachts of Costa Rica. Maverick has been building local charter boats in the 32- to 43-foot class for ten years. The 46’ Maverick SportYacht will launch the summer of 2014 at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica.

Maverick Yachts of Costa Rica has been retooling the SportYacht build, taking charter-boat builds to a luxury cruiser with magnificent interior. The Maverick SportYacht is a 46’ hull planked in mahogany and West System Clear Coat and will have an eggshell-colored house. It will be powered by twin Volvo IPS, SeaKeeper gyro stabilizing technology, Raymarine electronics package, Watermakers Inc. watermaker in the pump room, and feature fine veneers such as Anigre, a sunroof, and a grill in the mezzanine.

One of the biggest challenges for Maverick Yachts is adjusting to work with new lighter, stronger materials that are complementing a line of fine woods. Maverick has new technology onsite, such as a CNC machine, and vendors are coming for interaction with the team to inform them of changing build procedures, along with pages of information to study in advance of each section from the company’s naval architect, Erwin Gerards.

http://mavericksportfish.com/

Merritt’s Boat & Engine Works’ 86-footer Destiny , built in 2011, is the biggest one ever built by the south Florida boatbuilder. It was also the first enclosed bridge ever built in their fleet.

The boat is an open-bridge powered by twin MTU M-94 2,600 hp diesels. It holds 3,850 gallons of fuel, 550 gallons of water, 22 gallons of reserve oil and is capable of making top speeds in excess of 38 knots.

The cockpit of the 86 has a raised mezzanine deck with bench seating and a drink box, a refrigerated drink box underdeck and two large refrigerated boxes that can double as freezers as needed underdeck. It has storage under each gunwale, a cavernous lazarette with basement-size storage, and enough room for several anglers to move around the cockpit while hooked up at the same time.

http://www.merrittboat.com/

The largest boat Ocean Yachts ever made was its 73-foot Super Sport, although the first six boats from 2000-2002 were produced as a 70-footer. Then four boats were subsequently produced as a 73 with a mezzanine from 2005-2009.

There are four staterooms and four heads. It has custom designed teak, or optional cherry, for an accented salon.

The 73 Super Sport is capable of running over 30 knots with standard diesel engines.

The enclosed flybridge, reminiscent of a pilothouse, features teak (or optional cherry) accents, climate control, a table and a four-place lounge. An entertainment center incorporates a 20″ LCD TV with remote, a DVD player and a wetbar with a refrigerator/icemaker. Captains approve of the adjustable Stidds helm chair (beside a double-wide Stidds companion seat with storage box) and the outside steering station equipped with electronic controls, located under the hardtop extension.

An optional open flybridge model is available as well, with custom hardtop and three-sided EZ2CY enclosure, has a pod-style helm with large molded-in electronics boxes, two molded-in teaser reels, and ample storage. An aft enclosure is an available option.

The cockpit has mezzanine sofa-style seating, a fiberglass pedestal table, and an underdeck freezer are standard. Stereo speakers and a step-cooler box are also standard aboard this magnificent yacht. An optional fiberglass compartment can be mounted next to the salon entryway for a wetbar and sink; or a grill-top; or a third set of electronic controls.

The aft cockpit complements Rupp outriggers, center rigger, and a fighting chair, available as options. Two cavernous fishboxes, a tackle locker, fresh and seawater washdowns, a hinged gate and transom door, as well as live baitwell/fishbox combo in the transom are standard features.

http://www.oceanyachtsinc.com/

Release Boatworks’ 46 Express is the biggest ever built in their fleet. The cockpit boasts an expansive teak deck and covering boards with a lot of room to move around. The transom comes equipped with a tuna door and a 48-gallon livewell/fish box. This boat was rigged with a livewell sump and deck fittings to fill and drain the additional on-deck livewells necessary for today’s competitive live-bait sailfish circuit. Release also installed two large in-deck fish boxes on either side of the fighting chair/rocket launcher.

Topped off with a beautiful tower, hardtop, single-bar buggy top and plenty of rod holders, this boat is set up for fishing. The tower package was designed and built by Palm Beach Towers and it suits the boat’s and owner’s needs perfectly. The hardtop is a nicely molded piece of gear that sports Miya-Epoch electric teaser reels just overhead of the helm and within easy reach.

The QSC 600 hp Cummins are under the helm deck and tucked in there tight, but you can still get to everything in the engine room, since there is room to reach over the top and access areas outboard of the engines. Water pumps, fuel filters, through-hulls and AC pumps are all within reach for service. The generator is aft of the engines on the centerline and can be accessed behind the removable engine room ladder. The entire helm deck can be lifted to do major engine work.

http://www.releaseboatworks.com/

Riviera’s largest boat comes in at 75 feet long. The Riviera 75 falls into the serious long-range category equipped with 8,000 litre/2,110 US gallon fuel tank.

It is a hand-laid structure featuring solid fibreglass below the waterline and a watertight collision bulkhead forward, and the extensive use of lightweight, cored bulkheads throughout the hull.

Engine options range from standard twin diesel Caterpillar C32 (1,156 bkw/1,572 mhp) to twin diesel MTU 12v Series 2000 M93 (1,340 bkw/1,823 mhp).

The floor is reinforced with an alloy plate for a game chair and, in addition to several storage bins, an optional live-bait tank can be fitted in the transom. Toe kicks are also molded into the bottom of the coamings.

The luxurious aft-facing lounge on the mezzanine level is an ideal position for watching the fishing action. There is also the option of a mezzanine dining deck.

The flybridge is well equipped with an icemaker, refrigerator and glass and bottle storage unit. Guests can also join you at the helm courtesy of two Pompanette Platinum companion chairs – that is in addition to the skipper’s electrically adjustable Pompanette chair. Three massive pantograph wipers and freshwater washers ensure optimum visibility through the forward window and there is the option of opening side windows.

The helm features comprehensive electronic instrumentation and vessel controls together with ample space for your factory-fitted customised equipment. Riviera offers the full range of electronics, from fishfinders and chartplotters to underwater lights and GPS systems.

Depending on your choice of cabin configuration, the 75 offers accommodation for up to 10 people in four cabins – all in exceptional comfort.

The lounge is on a mezzanine level, complemented by features such as rod storage locker, ice-box, eutectic freezer, sink, electric BBQ and storage provision.

Standard power is a pair of 1,600 hp (1,193kW) Caterpillar C32 turbo diesels that, with a fuel payload of 9,000 litres, give the Riviera 75 a huge cruising range.

http://www.riviera.com.au/

Roscioli Evolution 92′

In the Roscioli sport-fishing fleet, the 92-footer is the largest. It has the highest horsepower available in the MTU 2000 series Marine Diesel’s with 2600 hp at 2450 rpm.

The 92 offers ride control systems that will consist of Seakeeper M26000 Active Gyro Stabilization and Naiad Interceptor High Speed Stabilization for a stable ride in all sea conditions. In addition, it has sound technology that is incorporated throughout the construction to assure the best possible interior environment for owner and quests.

It has a totally infused hull and superstructure, using the latest materials giving the lightest, yet strongest vessel to tackle the sea conditions.

http://www.donziyachts.com/

This particular boat can be built to 105 feet.

This 86-footer is under construction, but will have many unique features in store for its future owners. A galley and day head aft in the deckhouse, which keeps the noise away from the forward cabin and minimizes the traffic through the boat during the average fishing day. There will be pump and generator room aft, under the galley, which also helps keep the forward cabin quiet and gives greater access for routine equipment service. It offers a full beam walk-in tackle locker aft, under the mezzanine deck, with electrical distribution and fuel/oil manifolds located in a separate work area in the starboard side. The 86 bares a large, refrigerated tuna box under the cockpit deck as well as a light weight carbon composite deckhouse and bridge.

The biggest challenge in building a boat of this size for Rybovich & Sons is keeping the additional interior volume from being filled with heavy things and negating its total-custom design advantage. As length and beam increase, there is an almost irresistible temptation to install more equipment and accessories. Customers begin with bigger engines, generators, running gear, and fuel/water/lube oil capacity. More air conditioning, refrigeration, higher-volume pumps and chillers, more heads and head plumbing, ground tackle, a/v equipment, with the list going on. Then they are faced with wanting to fly around over 40 knots in a shallow draft configuration and burn less fuel than the competition.

Michael Rybovich Sr. says, “It keeps us on our toes and gives the engineering side of boatbuilding a more important role than ever before.”

http://michaelrybovichandsons.com/

Spencer’s largest vessel built is an 2012 custom 87-footer, which bares the name Betsy . Paul Spencer says he particularly enjoyed building this boat because it allowed him to showcase his ability to create an luxurious yacht that performed equally to the smaller sport-fish boats in maneuverability, handling and fishability.

Betsy showcases an innovative and luxurious interior with four staterooms, four heads and a custom gym. She is well executed with some comforts such as a large full-beam master with bathrooms, a custom 50-bottle wine cellar and espresso machine. Spencer Yachts says this is first of its kind to be equipped with the new ZF pod system coupled with four CAT C18As at 1150 hp each. With the combo of these two products, she can glide through the water at 39 knots and moves incredibly well while providing super range economy and speeds. Paul Spencer and the owner of the vessel are beyond thrilled with the outcome of the project, especially with more than 500 blue marlin to her credit.

http://www.spenceryachtsinc.com/

The 86-footer entitled Double Down is Tribute’s largest boat to date. Double Down launched in 2008, was designed and engineered by Applied Concepts. She was an all composite core cell, E glass and Kevlar carbon fiber boat. She was tank-tested at the University of Michigan Marine Sciences Laboratory.

Double Down has an endorsed bridge with a seven-stateroom, seven-head layout. It’s powered by three 2400 hp MTU/16 cylinder motors, 5,000 gallons of fuel and 450 gallons of water. Its speed tops out at 40 knots. Construction was all pre-pegged high-tech laminates. It was also vacuum-bagged with more than two layers of corecell.

http://www.tributeboats.com

The largest Viking to date in its 50-year history is its new 92 Convertible.

It launches late summer 2014. The first boat will be an enclosed-bridge model, and this will be followed by open-bridge versions. The project was handled by Viking from design, the building of the molds in-house with the aid of a pair of five-axis profiling milling machines and all of the construction aspects.

The 23-foot beam not only opens the salon, but transforms into a living room with built-in furniture and appointments like a 60-inch flat screen television that rises on a lift out of the teak cabinetry. An L-shape island in the galley complements the work area and all countertops feature custom-selected granite. A pair of walk-in pantries and a full day head are forward and characterize an excellent use of space. Nearby, a formal dining area accommodates eight guests.

The 92 Convertible has six staterooms, each with its own private head and shower. The full-beam master suite features a king-size walk-around bed, a walk-in closet, a dressing table, and his-and-her private facilities. Crew quarters are aft with access from the cockpit. The full-beam area includes a head with a shower, a small galley area, and upper and lower berths in a private cabin.

Propulsion choices include offerings by Caterpillar and MTU. The communication, navigation and entertainment electronics package will be designed and installed by Viking’s sister company, Atlantic Marine Electronics. The first open-bridge boat will have a tuna tower designed and fabricated by Palm Beach Towers, another Viking subsidiary.

http://www.vikingyachts.com/

The 65-foot Anita Jean is strikingly beautiful — a boat that would melt the heart of any Carolina custom aficionado. Its sheer is long and sensuous with nary a straight line — pure eye candy. The exaggerated crown of the bow and the radius of the transom is uber sexy, while the extra-wide teak covering boards delineate the boundaries of a cockpit designed for action, not simply for square footage.

http://www.wintercustomyachts.com/

** Read **our full review of the boat.

Weaver Boatworks’ 87-footer named Mantra was completed in 2013. It is currently fishing in the Seychelles Islands. This boat might be massive in size, but ran a top speed of 47.6 knots.

The challenge for this build is that it went past their shop bay door, so in turn, Weaver Boatworks had to build an extension of the shop to accommodate the size.

www.weaverboatworks.com

• More: Sport Fishing Boats

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Kimberley traditional owner frustrated illegal foreign fishing crews are yet to face criminal charges

By Rosanne Maloney

ABC Kimberley

Topic: Illegal Fishing

Maritime authorities intercepted more than 30 fishermen, taking 20 into custody pending an AFMA investigation. ( Supplied: Australian Border Force )

Dambimangari traditional owner Adrian Lane is disappointed that foreign fishermen he found on country earlier this month have not faced criminal charges.

Australian Border Force sent 13 fishers away on one vessel, while 20 of the men were taken to the Australian mainland.

What's next?

The 20 Indonesian fishers remain in detention while an investigation is underway.

A traditional owner in Western Australia's Kimberley says he is frustrated fishermen on board illegal foreign fishing vessels found in the region earlier this month are yet to face any criminal charges.

On August 5, Dambimangari man Adrian Lane was conducting monitoring work in mangroves in the Kuri Bay area, about 370 kilometres north-east of Broome, when he came across and reported the sighting of a foreign fishing vessel.

The following day, Mr Lane and Kimberley tourism operator Peter Tucker led Australian maritime officials to the site and found three other boats.

Maritime authorities burnt three of the fishing vessels before sending several of the men back on one boat. ( Supplied: Australian Border Force )

Three of the four vessels were seized and destroyed at sea, with the fourth vessel transported out of Australia's fishing zone with 13 fishers on board.

A further 20 men were brought to the mainland pending an investigation by the Australian Maritime Authority.

Mr Lane said he was disappointed to hear some of the men had avoided criminal charges and that the remaining 20 were yet to be penalised.

Dambimangari ranger Adrian Lane says litter left behind by illegal fishers is a big problem. ( Supplied: Parks and Wildlife Service )

He said he believed many of the fishermen were taking risks to put food on the table, but there had to be something done given the threat to country.

"We know that the people are doing illegal fishing and doing what they're doing to the reefs and stuff, and the impact that they're having on the country," Mr Lane said.

"From our end, that system's not working. They're just going to keep coming."

Mr Lane helped to locate the boats after noticing cuts to mangrove roots and branches in Kuri Bay. ( Supplied: Peter Tucker )

An Australian Fisheries Management Authority [AFMA] spokesperson said the 20 men will remain in Australian Border Force [ABF] detention as it investigates.

They said charges would not be laid until the investigations were complete, and AFMA and the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions were satisfied there was sufficient evidence to support offences under the Fisheries Management Act 1991.

"Should this be the case, the fishers will be charged, and these matters will be heard in the Darwin Court," the spokesperson said.

Over the past three years, illegal fishing activities by Indonesian vessels had increased to a rate not seen for over 18 years, according to the ABF.

Sixty-five vessels were sighted on 30 October 2023, which exceeded the previous daily record.

Rubbish and ants

Mr Lane said the illegal crews left a large amount of litter behind in the mangroves, some of which had ants inside.

In other states, foreign ant infestations have wreaked havoc on communities and natural environments, something Mr Lane fears could happen on his traditional lands.

Rubbish was left in the trees with food wrappers and crawling with ants. ( Supplied: Peter Tucker )

He said he went back to the site alongside other family members and was disappointed authorities had done nothing to clean the area.

"We found rubbish floating in the water, foam, we found timber, wood, bamboo, sitting in the water," he said.

"All tied up, all the gear that they left behind after we apprehended them, and we found all the stuff going on, like insects, like ants inside the bag."

Mr Lane has previously raised the fact he believes authorities need to do more to communicate with regional communities and leverage local knowledge for border protection.

Border force personnel approach one of the boats at Kuri Bay. ( Supplied: Peter Tucker )

He said there should also be a system in place to ensure the area was cleaned.

"When you go back to some of these places where there's been this sort of illegal stuff going on, you have to do a clean," he said.

"We would be crucified for [leaving rubbish]."

ABF says current approach "strong"

An Australian Border Force spokesperson defended their "strong enforcement action" to illegal foreign fishing vessels.

"We believe the actions we are taking, particularly the seizure of their catch, equipment and destruction of their fishing boats is a very strong deterrent," the spokesperson said.

ABF officials took 20 of the men into custody awaiting the AFMA investigation. ( Supplied: Australian Border Force )

They said the ABF had increased aerial, land and sea surveillance, including deployment of more Australian Defence Force and ABF vessels in response to increasing boats.

The spokesperson acknowledged the role of members of the public, stating it was important for authorities to stay engaged with communities, particularly in the north-west of WA.

"Their local knowledge and observations are an invaluable contribution to the work being done."

ABC Kimberley — local news in your inbox

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Moscow comes under largest Ukrainian drone attack yet, say Russian authorities

By Associated Press Reporter

Russian authorities have said Moscow came under the largest attack yet by Ukrainian drones since the start of fighting in 2022, and that it destroyed all of them.

Russia destroyed 45 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russia’s Ministry of Defence said.

It said 11 were destroyed over the Moscow region, 23 over the Bryansk region, six over Belgorod, three over Kaluga and two over Kursk.

“This was one of the biggest attempts of all time to attack Moscow using drones,” Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin said on his Telegram channel.

He said all of the drones were destroyed because strong defences have been created around the capital.

Some Russian social media channels shared videos of drones apparently being destroyed by air defence systems, which then set car alarms off.

Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the Bryansk region, said there was a “mass” attack on his region but that 23 drones were destroyed.

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