CAPE WESSEL, Australia (6 Feb 2003) -- Australian authorities have intercepted five Indonesian fishing vessels in northern waters in 24 hours. The first two boats were sighted north of Arnhem Land within the Australian fishing zone on Tuesday - each with five crew aboard. Early yesterday a boat was spotted in the same area, with a fourth boat found later in the morning. A fifth vessel was intercepted north-east of Cape Wessel in the Northern Territory. Four of the five Indonesian fishing boats allegedly had shark or shark fins aboard. Federal Fisheries Minister Ian McDonald says perfect weather conditions have led to the sudden increase in illegal fishing activity. Because sharks reproduce slowly, it is feared they could be wiped out by overfishing. "Busting shark finners is not enough--you need to take away their boats," said Cyber Diver Society (CDS) President Evan T. Allard. "Confiscation of fishing vessels used for shark finning should be made mandatory to send a clear message to shark finners that the world will not tolerate the cruel and barbaric slaughter of these magnificent animals." © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | 
