Australia stops PNG boats in Torres Strait

Australian authorities have stopped seven boats and repatriated 60 Papua New Guinean nationals in a crackdown on illegal fishing on the Torres Strait international border.

Boats in Daru, Papua New Guinea.

Australian Fisheries Management Authority says the operation is unrelated to the suspected drowning of 15 PNG fishermen in the region in recent months.

About 1,000 kilograms of sea cucumbers - or beche de mer - were seized last weekend by AFMA and the 60 men were returned to Daru in PNG to be charged.

AFMA General manager of operations Peter Venslovas told Stefan Armbruster there has been an increase in illegal fishing in the Torres Strait by Papua New Guineans.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)