Earlier this month, Sea Shepherd boat Bob Barker intercepted highly notorious illegal fishing boat Thunder and its crew about 6000 kilometres south-west of Tasmania.

The crew was placed under citizen's arrest, but question marks remain over why the vessel was released from Malaysian impoundment in April, after reportedly paying Malaysian officials $9000.

Yesterday Senator Colbeck said the government did not need Sea Shepherd's help in ridding Australian waters of illegal fishing vessels like Thunder.

"The Thunder was not detected within Australian waters," Senator Colbeck said.

"Australia has not detected any illegal fishing boats inside its Australian Fishing Zone in the Southern Ocean since 2005.

"The Australian government does not support and is in no way associated with the activities of Sea Shepherd and does not condone any dangerous or unlawful acts at sea.

"No one should be taking the law into their own hands - the law of the sea must be paramount for all parties in all circumstances."

Despite the statement, Australian Navy vessels were used to warn off an illegal fishing vessel in 2004, in the same area Thunder was detected earlier this month.

Bob Barker captain Peter Hammarstedt yesterday said he was disappointed by Senator Colbeck's remarks and said Sea Shepherd was discussing its operations with Interpol daily.

"For the past 10 years, the FV Thunder has fished illegally in the Southern Ocean without consequence," Mr Hammarstedt said.

"In 10 days, Sea Shepherd has done more to shut down the criminal activities of this notorious poacher than the current Australian government.

"The Australian government stands alone in its criticism of the Thunder finally being brought to justice."