A Tweed Shire commercial fisher pleaded guilty last week to six offences in relation to illegal fishing activity.

The Australian government’s commitment to act on the scourge of lethal ghost fishing nets has been welcomed by the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation.

A local fishing group has an aim that includes more than just dropping a hook and line in the water – it hopes to encourage young people to put their screens aside and get out into nature.

‘All the old salts have moved on… All the old salts have moved on… I’m wondering where they’ve gone…’

White spot syndrome virus has been detected by scientists in wild-caught school prawns from the inshore ocean area off the Richmond River estuary near Ballina.

The NSW Opposition has called on the Minns Government to take urgent action to better protect NSW’s marine emblem, the Eastern Blue Groper.

Three-day NSW fishing licence from the Evans Head Visitor Information Centre, located at 17 Kirkland Court and need to be acquired for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. 

With 349 turtles, 1349 birds and 81 sea snakes being rescued over the past three years, Ballina's iconic Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue is modernising and expanding. Assistant Manager Amanda Philp talked to The Echo about what's happening at the rescue centre on North Creek Road during the school holidays.

At today's Ballina Council meeting, Cr Keith Williams is going to urge council to write to the NSW Minister for Crown Lands about South Ballina beach, which has recently been closed to public 4WD access.

The debate about the future of the beaches south of Ballina is heating up again as councils and concerned citizens grapple with the ongoing issue of 4WD-related damage.