Byron Shire Council is warning the community not to interfere with Tallow Creek after an illegal channel was dug between the lagoon and the ocean.

The council says artificially opening the entrance can have serious environmental consequences, including large-scale fish kills and could attract fines of up to $110,000.

We hear from the council’s Coast and Biodiversity Coordinator Chloe Dowsett about why Tallow Creek is allowed to open naturally and what can happen when people interfere with the system.