DILI, 12 April 2026 (TATOLI) – The lack of marine patrol facilities and regular surveillance has left Timor-Leste’s waters vulnerable, making them an attractive area and source of income for foreign illegal fishers.
A recent surge in illegal fishing activity has placed the country’s southern coast on high alert, with oil and gas exploration companies and survey teams reporting more than seven illegal foreign fishing vessels operating in Timor-Leste waters near Vikeke municipality.
The Fish Liaison Officer of ENI Company, Galiano Waidau, said that most of the illegal fishing vessels seen in Timor-Leste’s waters come from Indonesia, particularly West Timor (NTT).
“While working on a vessel conducting oil and gas exploration surveys near the Viqueque coast, we have consistently encountered illegal fishing vessels during our operations in the area,” Waidau told Tatoli, on Sunday.
As a Timorese, he said he was saddened that the country’s rich and valuable resources are being exploited by unauthorized fishers, while many people in Timor-Leste continue to struggle to afford nutritious food.
Waidau called on relevant authorities, including the National Maritime Authority and the Maritime Police Unit (UPM), to increase patrol operations in national waters to protect the country’s marine resources.
He questioned the capacity of relevant authorities to protect Timor-Leste’s underwater resources, citing a lack of equipment and government capacity to effectively curb illegal fishing.
“I just don’t understand how illegal fishers from far away are able to come here and steal our resources, while we, who live so close to these areas, struggle to control our own natural resources,” Waidau stressed.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2018, approximately 107 illegal fishing vessels were detected in the Timor Sea. During that period, an estimated 239,460 tons of fish were taken from the sea, which is estimated to have an economic value of more than US$1 billion.
Meanwhile, in 2019, MoAF reported a total of 69 illegal fishing vessels operating in Timor-Leste waters. Over 147,975 tons of fish were lost, which is equivalent to US$838,350,000.
In 2020, MoAF registered 48 illegal fishing vessels. These vessels stole about 1,563 tons of fish, which is equivalent to US$9,694,000.
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
