Australian Navy Granted Power To Shoot At Illegal Fishers

The navy has been given permission to fire at illegal fishing boats that refuse to be apprehended in Australian waters. Under new rules of engagement approved by Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, the navy will also be given tear gas, capsicum spray and abrasive acoustic devices. "The foreign fishing vessels that are coming to our country are increasingly sophisticated," Dr Nelson told Parliament yesterday. "They are engaging in activities which are very dangerous to our personnel and indeed to our patrol boats, including using very large sharpened poles (and) the throwing of missiles...