The OMEGA Mesh Gauge® is an electrically driven instrument that measures the exact sizes of the meshes of fishing nets. The instrument is developed in the early years of this century in a joined venture between the Dutch company Observator and the Belgium company Marelec. In a close cooperation with fisheries inspection services and fisheries research institutes from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom a unique instrument has been formed that measures the mesh sizes in an absolutely objective way. The OMEGA Mesh Gauge® is the only instrument available that fully complies with the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 517/2008, published on 11 June 2008. This regulation describes the use of the instrument, the prescriptions and procedures, in order to achieve objective and legally tenable measurements.
How does the OMEGA Mesh Gauge® work?
The Omega mesh gauge applies a pre-set longitudinal force to the mesh to be measured. Once this force is reached, the exact opening of the gauge is measured automatically. Mesh opening and measuring force are shown on a digital display. A series of measurements can be performed and the readings are stored in an integral memory. At the end of the sequence the number of measurements made and the average mesh size are displayed.
Calibration will be carried out routinely by means of a test plate with a range of fixed opening lengths and a set of weights. All gauges have a factory calibration certificate and shall be recalibrated annually.
The OMEGA Mesh Gauge® is not only suitable for diamond, square, and 90° turned meshes in active fishing