Lauren Bohane

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Lauren Bohane |Kim Honan

The highly contagious white spot disease has been detected in wild prawn populations offshore areas near the Clarence, Evans and Richmond rivers. The discovery came just as a two-year ban on the sale of green prawns from the Clarence River was due to end. Prawn fishermen in the Clarence say a two-year extension to an existing control order could end their industry.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Lauren Bohane |Kim Honan

Dairy farmers have been forced to dump thousands of litres of milk due to flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Some producers have found ways to use their excess milk and processor Norco has continued to pay those unable to have the product delivered. Some farmers remain unsure when trucks will regain access to their properties.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Kim Honan |Lauren Bohane |Joshua Becker

As the world's deadliest bee pest continues its slow spread across Australia, beekeepers are seeking out chemical-free treatments. Beekeeper Jackie Morrison is looking for an alternative to miticide strips, a chemical treatment used in hives to kill varroa mite. She says her customers want products free of chemical residues. "They want to see clean, natural, pure, unadulterated honey and wax and that's exactly what we aim to keep producing," she said.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Lauren Bohane

For the first time since 2020, Australian rock lobster is on the menu for those celebrating Lunar New Year in China, after trade restrictions were lifted in December. Those in the industry say the end of the trade ban, combined with the holiday period, has created the strongest domestic market since the ban was imposed. Lobster fisher Noel Gogerly, who operates out of Tuncurry on the NSW Mid North Coast, said prices on the Australian market were up 15 per cent compared to last year.

Jan 16, 2025 | abc.net.au | Lauren Bohane

A small fishing community on the New South Wales Mid North Coast has been left shattered after the local seafood co-op burnt down during the region's peak tourism season. Around 20 fishers were involved with the Laurieton co-op, which had been operating for nearly half a century. Owner Cody Weston said he was "gutted" to see the building this morning. "I just felt sick in the stomach, like I wanted to spew, but there's not much you can do," he said.