The Federal Fisheries Minister, Senator Eric Abetz says states and territories have agreed to harmonise laws to stop fishermen being deported before they can pay for their illegal activities.
Senator Abetz says they'll be made to serve time in jail if they can't afford fines.
He says the current inconsistency means the deterrent effect of stiff penalties is lost.
“In the Northern Territory, it's quite reasonable, especially for their Indigenous community, that people be given a substantial amount of time to pay fines. But of course when you're dealing with illegal fishers, giving them 28 days in which to pay a fine basically allows them to leave the country without having to pay the fine,” Senator Abetz said.