Queensland's Miss Earth 2024 Takes a Stand: The Fight to Remove Shark Nets for Ocean Safety!

Jessica Lane, a journalism student from the Sunshine Coast, was crowned Miss Earth 2024 in the Philippines. At 22, she advocates for the removal of shark nets along Australia's east coast, highlighting environmental and marine conservation issues.

P24 News Media

December 08, 2024

1 minute

Queensland's Miss Earth 2024 Takes a Stand: The Fight to Remove Shark Nets for Ocean Safety!

India

Jessica Lane, a 22-year-old journalism student from Queensland, finds herself more at home scaling trees than strutting on a catwalk. Yet, her recent accolade as Miss Earth 2024 is something she embraces with great seriousness. This milestone marks her as the first Australian to secure a title in any of the four major international beauty pageants since Jennifer Hawkins was crowned Miss Universe back in 2004.

"I had never participated in pageants before, so stepping into this realm was quite unexpected for me," Ms. Lane shared. "I’m the kind of girl who would climb a tree and fall just to rescue a baby bird without worrying about the scrapes I might get." Her humble beginnings and passion for the environment are evident in her words, illustrating her profound connection with nature.

Miss Earth is an esteemed international beauty pageant held in the Philippines, dedicated to enlightening young individuals about pressing environmental matters. Following her crowning, Lane is keen on spearheading initiatives, particularly advocating for the removal of shark nets along the east coast of Australia. "Many believe these nets serve to keep us safe, but the truth is, in Queensland, they don’t cover the entirety of the beach," she explained. "Any shark can easily swim past them."

Shark nets, which have been employed along 86 of Queensland's most frequented beaches since 1962, are intended to keep swimmers safe by ensnaring certain species of sharks deemed dangerous. However, alarming statistics from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries reveal a troubling rise in the number of marine creatures ensnared in these nets, which have more than doubled over the past five years. This year alone, the nets captured a staggering 1,422 marine animals, including eight humpback whales, 30 turtles, and a shocking 1,307 sharks, of which 1,021 were not the intended targets.

The fate of countless marine creatures caught in these nets remains uncertain, raising significant ethical questions. Ms. Lane believes it is high time to retire these nets entirely and shift toward more advanced technologies. "It's astonishing that while we’ve upgraded so much technology, we still rely on outdated shark nets," she remarked.

In response to growing concerns, the Queensland government is revisiting its Shark Management Plan, with a comprehensive report expected next year. This review aims to explore future options for the shark management program, which will come into effect in July 2025. The government is currently experimenting with shark-spotting drones, drum lines, and circle hooks, which are believed to cause less harm to non-target species. Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett reiterated the government's commitment to prioritizing swimmer safety, stressing the importance of human life while remaining open to innovative solutions that protect the public.

Throughout her reign as Miss Earth, Ms. Lane aims to explore various technologies utilized globally to enhance marine safety and awareness. She recalls a fascinating initiative in South Africa where scientists have constructed artificial kelp farms designed to repel sharks while allowing other marine life and humans to coexist unharmed. "These magnetic responses have such potential to change the game," she noted enthusiastically.

Rose Marimon from the conservation organization Envoy Foundation applauded Ms. Lane’s commitment to the Nets Out Now campaign, asserting that her influence amplifies the demand for the removal of shark nets in both Queensland and New South Wales. "Miss Earth 2024 has made a resounding statement that removing shark nets is pivotal to her mission, and the world is watching," Marimon emphasized.

Aspiring to emulate the legacy of celebrated British broadcaster David Attenborough, Ms. Lane is really focused on becoming an environmental champion. She elaborated, "I am studying a double major in journalism, creative writing, and publishing, intending to carve a path as an environmental journalist. Upon graduation, I hope to embody the spirit of a young David Attenborough."

From a young age, Lane has nurtured her passion for wildlife, having volunteered at Australia Zoo since she was eight. She attributes her environmental consciousness to her upbringing, emphasizing the importance of teaching younger generations about their impact on the planet. "I learned early on how even small choices, like the products we choose to buy, influence our environment." Her vision is clear: fostering a new generation equipped with the knowledge and understanding to protect our Earth.