Natasha Griggs seized on news that five years ago more than 350 boats were caught fishing illegally in Australia's northern waters but just six for people smuggling.

This year just 11 illegal fishing boats were caught. Mrs Griggs says 80 boats have been caught people smuggling. She says the tough stance of the Federal Government against illegal fishing has indirectly made the people smuggling problem worse.

"The figures clearly indicate that there has been a change of illegal fishing to people smuggling," she said. "There is more money for these people in people smuggling than there is in fishing."