161 illegal fisherman from Vietnam have been found in Australian waters in the past 12 months alone.

An Australian Fisheries Management Authority spokesperson said 15 Vietnamese nationals were caught only last week, four of whom were repeat offenders.

The illegal fisherman are being found in the far north of Australia, often carrying tonnes of poached sea cucumbers.

It’s believed the high price of seafood worldwide, coupled with environmental issues in South-East Asia are believed to be behind the poachers fishing in Australia’s waters.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority said they were working with Vietnam to combat the issue.

– TiVi Tuan-san