The scientific consensus is that the end of continuous ice in the summer months is within the human horizon — 50 years, 70 years, 30 years. In recorded history, we've never had that, so this is a new era. It will have enormous consequences.
We do clearly want to send a message to would-be illegal operators that it is simply not worth your while to come into Australian waters and fish illegally.
Until that happens the crews will be held in Darwin facilities or if appropriate taken to Baxter in South Australia or Perth.
There are 31 crew on board the Taruman of Chilean, Ukrainian, Russian, Peruvian and Spanish nationality.
Investigations revealed the vessel was carrying 143 tonnes of Patagonian toothfish.
The catch will be subject to tender at a later date.
Those investigations will continue and if the evidence is there they'll be charged and brought before the courts in Darwin.
This boarding on the high seas was done on the express permission of the Cambodian government, the flag state of the vessel.
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