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Byron Shire
March 27, 2024

Talking shark nets and humpback whales: Dean Jefferys in action

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Dean Jefferys at the Quicksilver Pro Surfing competition at Coolangatta in 2016. Photo supplied.
Dean Jefferys at the Quicksilver Pro Surfing competition at Coolangatta in 2016. Photo supplied.

Keeping the pressure up on issues from the dangers of shark nets to whaling Captain of the marine conservation yacht Migaloo 2, Dean Jefferys, is heading to the Quicksilver Pro Surfing competition at Coolangatta next week along with other marine conservationists to hold up remove shark net banners to the media and the thousands of surfers present. Jefferys is hoping that the action will start some informed debate around the issue.

‘Shark nets do not offer the safety from sharks as they profess and the cost to tax payers and marine life of those nets are unacceptable,’ said Jefferys. ‘Much more effective alternative technologies exist that make the public safer without the potential dangers to other marine life, such as spotters programs, personal repellents, sonar, shark tagging, education and using a drone for spotting.’

In the mean time Migaloo 2 is getting prepared to join the humpback whale migration in July. To raise funds for repairs and maintenance Jefferys is having the annual launch and fundraiser night for Maigaloo 2 at the new Vegan restaurant Elixiba in Byron at 7 pm 27 March. Fifty per cent of proceeds of the night and 100% of the silent auction proceeds will go to the Migaloo 2 foundation to pay for urgent boat maintenance and repairs including replacing the motor.

Jefferys will show some short films of campaigns he has been involved in over the last seven years as well as some new exciting ones coming up including shark net protests, Shark Watch and Antarctic Whaling. He will also talk briefly on his new documentary The Toad, the Whale and the Sun. Part of the night live streamed from 8.30 pm. 


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6 COMMENTS

  1. We humans as the ultimate predator , not the sharks, are destroying so many species . The elephant in the room is that we have too many of us!.

    We have taken over so much habitat of our earth’s animals.

    It is time to seriously consider not just the rights of other humans but other species as well.

  2. Would NOT like to see a critically endangered Marine Turtle like a Hawksbill Turtle or a Loggerhead or any other marine animal like a Whale{ baby} or an intelligent Dolphin trapped and drowned in a net.

    “Surfing Reserve” volunteers work to cover many considerations about the state of our environment as well as the joy of the Ocean and Surfing it.

    We need to work together to make something happen in the country Australia.

    Prob is that many people are stymied in their sincere attempts.

    You can speak out but are there “ears” to hear and listen to what you say??

    Are you one of many or one of few?

  3. All ways a greenie jumping up and down no matter what. No fatalities around here from shark attacking a swimmer. Maybe it’s the netting . Will always be collateral damage depending on protection.

  4. We are meeting at the main surf building at 10 am Saturday. Bring banner or fold one we have. 400 million years who is the local. Sharknets curtains for marine life. Sharks swim around nets. Please remove shark nets.

  5. Chris Tipton

    You do not have to be a “greenie” to see what is happening to the birds, animals and marine life that live on this planet.

    Many species are bordering on extinction. Read the news and see what people {of all countries} do to birds, animals, marine life caged in “zoos” or out in the wild being killed for tusks and what man can do to make more money.

    In Australia – the sad state of Koala existence is telling the tale on government and local council groups.

    Australia is unique. Wildlife in National Parks is now also endangered by the NSW State government decision {based on gaining votes and numbers to make the “important” switch to privatising out electricity supply} which allowed “shooting” of “feral” animals in the protected areas.

    How many gun happy people will comply with such “rules?”

    Look in your local estuary North Coast and observe what is left of the water bird population!

    I am no one “special” but I care about this planet and the birds, animals and marine life that have to exist in the presence of “the human race”

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Supporters, performers, and volunteers gathered to launch the Mullum Laneways Festival 2024 last Friday.