DILI, 17 April 2026 (TATOLI) – A lack of resources to patrol Timor-Leste’s waters, combined with limited monitoring of vessel activity, is enabling illegal fishing to exploit the country’s marine resources, costing the nation millions of dollars.
The true number of illegal fishing vessels is significantly higher, as limited resources and equipment hinder the authorities’ ability to conduct regular maritime patrols.
Interior Minister Francisco da Costa acknowledged the country’s lack of resources, especially patrol vessels needed to carry out monitoring in deep-sea areas.
He said that despite the challenges, the Maritime Police Unit (MPU) will work with relevant authorities to step up patrol operations in national waters to protect the country’s marine resources.
Agriculture Minister Marcos da Cruz said illegal fishing has become a national concern requiring urgent attention, as foreign vessels continue to operate in Timor-Leste’s waters without licenses.
Last week, while working aboard a vessel conducting marine seismic surveys off the coast of Viqueque, ENI fish liaison officer Galiano Waidau said the team had repeatedly encountered illegal fishing vessels operating in the area.
He said that most of the illegal fishing vessels seen in the area came from Indonesia, particularly West Timor (NTT).
As a Timorese, Waidau 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.
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, Timor-Leste lost more than US$48.5 million between 2024 and 2026 due to illegal fishing, with an estimated 2,200 tonnes of fish reportedly taken from the country’s waters by illegal fishers.
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.
Jornalista: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Filomeno Martins
