About
SA INVENTION DESIGNED TO PREVENT SHARK ATTACKS!
Conceived by recreational divers & fishermen Eddie and Shaun Fachin, the
SHARK SHAKERTM is
designed to break the link between a boat or diver and an irascible shark intent on taking the berley pot, diver’s catch bag or crab net
attached by rope. If a shark takes hold, the rope may not break, resulting in a capsize and possible shark attack.
Eddie and Shaun describe the SHARK SHAKERTM as the 'WEAK' LINK between you and the shark!
The product comprises two components – a fish-shaped orange ‘anchor’ and a fish-shaped yellow 'float'.
The orange anchor is attached to the side of the boat using a short rope through its 'tail'. This is the fixed point. The net or pot is dropped over the side and when it settles on the sea floor, the yellow float is attached to the slack rope of the item through its 'tail'. The yellow 'mouth' is then loaded through the orange 'fin' gate and instantly – a 'weak' link with approximately 18 kg holding force is created.
If a shark attempts to take the bag or net, the yellow float simply snaps away from the orange anchor, preventing a capsize or personal injury to a diver. In the case of an accidental break or the shark releases the pot or net, the yellow float will quickly come to the surface for retrieval.
The SHARK SHAKERTM is made from tough long-wearing polypropylene UV stabilised plastic and is 100% Australian designed and manufactured. It will retail in fishing, boating and sporting outlets for less than $20.00.
Australia's population is the second most likely (after the USA) to witness a shark attack. As the shark's traditional food source diminishes with aggressive fishing, contact with humans will seriously increase.
Shaun Fachin – who built the tooling for the SHARK SHAKERTM, believes the product will be enormously popular with fishermen and divers – especially those who have already had an encounter with a shark.
"Close encounters have happened to me and my friends over the years and two people have been killed at my local Adelaide beach since 2004, taken just metres from the shore by Great White sharks. So as a diver and a recreational fisher, my safety out there is first priority," he said.
"As we talk to people about our product, we hear many terrifying stories of close calls with sharks that aren't reported in the media. Many could have been avoided using the SHARK SHAKERTM."
"Reports of shark sightings and attacks seem to be increasing at an alarming rate all around the world. If SHARK SHAKER TM can help save a life, then all our hard work in developing the product and getting it onto the market will be very worthwhile".