TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multipurpose measure for measuring fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like. BACKGROUND ART

Throughout the specification and claims references to "fish, crustaceans shellfish and or the like" is intended to include any species of fish, sharks, rays, molluscs, crustaceans including crabs and lobster, shellfish, and similar organisms. The term "legal size", as referred to throughout the specification and claims, is the term used to describe a measurement or measurements set by a local fishing authority which must be met in order that a particular fish, crustacean, shellfish or the like that has been caught, can be kept. For example, legal size may refer to minimum and or maximum lengths of fish, or the minimum width of a carapace of a species of crab or rock lobster.

Fishing is popular worldwide, for food, fun and the thrill of the catch. Pressure on populations of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like is increasing with the expansion of human population, and the development of our taste for fresh seafood. It is vital that sustainable populations of fish, crustaceans and shellfish are maintained in the oceans, or there will be none left for future generations. Many fishing authorities have established regulations and introduced legal size limits so that only mature, larger fish can be taken. Some species have maximum size limits as larger fish in these species tend to be females. For example, barramundi have a maximum size limit as the largest fish are mostly females as they change sex during their lives.

Legal limits are enforced by the local fishery authority by inspection of boats, or even freezers to see that the regulations are beintj met. In Australia, breach of the fishing regulations can lead to fines or seizure of boats and other fishing equipment. For fishers, it is important to be able to accurately measure fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like for legal size to support sustainable fishing practices and to avoid fines. Known means of measuring fish, shellfish and the like include use of a plastic ruler, of approximately 900mm long. The known ruler is inconvenient to carry due to its length, and is often damaged as it does not fit in a fishing box or pocket easily. The fish ruler is also not long enough to accurately measure the larger fish species, which may lead to mistakes being made. Various types of shellfish such as abalone and oysters, and crustaceans such as crabs, lobster and marron have very specific legal size rules requiring an accurate measurement across the shell or carapace to be made. It is often difficult to line up a conventional ruler and quickly measure to see if the legal size has been reached for shellfish and crustaceans, in particular. For example, crabs and lobsters have rounded shells and struggle and nip somewhat when caught. Measures for crabs have been developed, generally a U-shaped piece of plastic which is put across the carapace of a crab to determine if it is of legal size. Use of a gap rather than a rigid flat ruler makes determining the size of the crab simpler. Typically, on a fishing trip a fisher may be aiming to catch a particular species of fish, crustacean or shellfish, but fishing is an unpredictable art. Therefore, in order to be able to measure any or all of the catch for legal size a fisher must not only carry a ruler, but also any shellfish or crustaceans measures that exist to be able to conduct accurate measurements. It is awkward to carry and keep safe a whole raft of the necessary measures or tools in order that the legal limit can be determined.

It would be highly desirable to have a means of measuring fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like that is convenient to carry. It would also be highly desirable to have a multipurpose measure that enables easier measurement of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like, in a single tool.

For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multipurpose measure that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a multipurpose measure for measuring fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like including a body including measurement marks and one or more gauges, extendible from the body, the or each gauge being adapted to measure one or more specific fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like wherein, in use, fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like can be measured by use of the measurement marks on the body and or one or more gauge.

Preferably, the body is extendible substantially lengthways enabling longer lengths of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like to be measured. The body may be extendible in any suitable way. The body may be extendible substantially lengthways by pulling, pushing, sliding, telescopic action, or unfolding of the body.

Preferably, the body includes a plurality of parts which are extendible substantially lengthways. In this way the multipurpose measure can be made longer to enable longer fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like to be readily measured. The body may include a first part and a second part ββfta&έjtøl or connectable together so that the first part and the second part are foldable, one on top of the other. Preferably, the first part and the second part are substantially the same length. The first part and the second part may fold one on top of the other so as to halve the length of the body. Preferably, the first part and the second part are hinged together. Preferably, the body includes one or more extensions which, when extended, increase the length of the body. There may be any number of extensions. The or each extension may be a first extension that has one or more further extensions extendible from the first extension. There may be multiple extensions, each extending out from another extension, each increasing the length of the body. Preferably, the body includes a first extension extendible lengthways from the body, and a second extension is extendible lengthways from the first extension to increase the length of the body. Preferably, the or each extension is slideably extendible. The extensions may extend from the body or another extension in any suitable way, including pulling, pushing, folding, telescopic action and sliding. Alternatively, there may be extensions which extend out widthways.

Preferably, the measurement marks are included substantially along the length of the body including any or each extension or part of the body. Preferably, any changes to the length of the body by inclusion of extensions or parts likewise changes the length able to be measured by the measurement marks. Preferably, the extension of the body makes the multipurpose measure longer enabling longer fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like to be measured by the measurement marks.

Preferably, the body includes a first part and a second part foldable one on top of the other and the second part includes a first extension extendible lengthways from the second part and the first extension includes a second extension extendible lengthways from the first extension.

Preferably, the measurement marks run substantially continuously along ιtøfiu _t ^b §KJy» including any parts or extensions. Preferably, the measuring marks are included substantially continuously from near an end of the first part, along the second part, along the first extension to an end of the second extension. Preferably, the measuring marks include a graduated scale. The graduated scale may provide measurements in millimetres, centimetres, inches, or the like. Any suitable scale of measurements may be used. Preferably, the measuring marks enable measurement and indicate when legal size of fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like has been reached, relative to an end of the body. The measuring marks may, in an alternative form, not include numerical measurements, but instead be marked to indicate when one or more fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like are of legal size relative to an end of the body.

One or more cut-out may be included in the body the or each cut-out being associated with an extension such that the extension can be contacted through the cut-out enabling the extension to be extended out from the body. The extension may be grasped through the or each cut-out and pulled out to be extended. The or each cut-out may take any suitable shape or form.

The body may include one or more stopper adapted to limit the range of extension of an extension. The or each stopper may act to substantially hold an extension in the extended position for use. The or each stopper may be an u-shaped part and a peg and when the u-shaped part and the peg come into contact through extension or retraction of an extension, further movement in that direction is substantially prevented. The or each stopper may take any suitable form. The or each stopper may be omitted. The or each gauge may be extendible from the body in any suitable manner including pushing, pulling, unfolding, telescopic action or sliding. Preferably, the or each gauge is slideably extendible from the body.

The or each gauge may be any suitable shape including square includingrβfitaoaMtør, hemispherical, spherical, triangular or irregular shaped. The or each gauge may be different from any other gauge. Alternatively, the or each gauge may be a substantially rectangular measure and adapted to substantially be legal size of one or more species of fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like. Preferably, the or each gauge includes a body, a first arm and a second arm, with a gap between the first arm and the second arm. The gap between the first arm and the second arm may be adapted to measure legal size of a specific species of a fish, crustacean, shellfish or the like. Preferably, the gap between the first arm and the second arm is adapted to measure the legal size of carapace for a specific species of crustacean. The specific species of crustacean may be any specific species of crustaceans. The specific species of crustaceans may be chosen from the group: blue swimmer crab, brown mud crab, green mud crab, marron, southern rock lobster, tropical rock lobster and western rock lobster. Any number of gauges may be included. In a preferred form of the invention, there are 6 gauges extendible from the body one each to measure the legal size of blue swimmer crab, brown mud crab, green mud crab, southern rock lobster, tropical rock lobster/marron and western rock lobster. An additional gauge for abalone may be included. According to one fishing authority the legal size across the shell or carapace for the foregoing is as follows: abalone 75mm; blue swimmer crab 127mm; brown mud crab 120mm; green mud crab 150mm; southern rock lobster 102mm; tropical rock lobster/marron 76mm; and western rock lobster 77mm.

Preferably, a back plate is included. The or each gauge may be supported by the back plate. There may be two or more gauges and the back plate may be adapted to support the gauges one on top of another. In this way the gauges are extendible from the body separately and or independently.

Preferably, one or more runners are included and the or each gauge slideably extends along the one or more runners. The or each runner may f° ^rm - Preferably, the or each runner is a short, thin rectangular shape. A pair of runners may be included for each gauge, and each gauge may be slideably extendible along the pair of runners.

The body may include one or more tab means adapted to limit the extent a gauge can extend in or out of the body. The tab means may take any suitable shape or form. Preferably, the tab means are substantially rectangular shaped.

Preferably, the or each runner includes one or more tab means, the or each tab means being adapted to limit the extent a gauge can extend in or out of the body. The or each runner preferably includes a first tab means and a second tab means and a gauge can move between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position by moving between the first tab means and the second tab means. The second tab means may substantially hold a gauge in the fully extended position.

Preferably, the or each gauge includes one or more cut-out and the or each cut-out facilitates extension of a gauge from the body.

Preferably, a pair of runners are included for the or each gauge and the or each gauge includes a pair of cut-outs corresponding to the pair of runners such that the or each gauge slideably extends from the body by sliding the cut-outs of the gauge along the runners. Preferably, the or each gauge is extendible widthways from the body. Alternatively, the or each gauge may extend lengthways or otherwise.

Preferably, the measuring means and or the gauges are used to determine if legal size of fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like has been met. Most preferably, the measurement marks can be used to determine if a fish or the like is legal size and separately a gauge can be used to measure if a specific crustacean, shellfish or the like is of legal size.

Optionally, a headboard may be included connected or connectable to the Wβ-fJJjfϊhat a fish, crustacean, shellfish or the like can be lined UD aαainst the headboard, for measurement or determining legal size. The headboard may extend at 90 degrees to the body and fold flat when not in use. Preferably the headboard is hinged to the body.

The multipurpose measure may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, any one or more components is made of a suitable plastic, wood or metal or combination thereof.

Preferably, one or more components includes information on fishing rules and regulations including: legal size including manner of measurement, bag limits, boat limits, closed season dates and geographical area restrictions. Preferably, the or each gauge includes information relating to the specific fish, crustacean, shellfish or the like that the gauge is adapted to measure. The information may include any of the following: bag limits, boat limits, closed season dates, geographical area restrictions, species identification information and legal size including manner of measuring,. Preferably, the body can be extended over 1000mm in length and the measurement marks enable fish, crustaceans, shellfish of up to 1000mm in length to be measured. Most preferably, the body can be extended to 1250mm in length enabling fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like of up to 1250mm in length to be measured. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention provides a means of measuring fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like, all in a single measure, which is portable and more convenient than existing measures. Use of the single measure reduces costs to the fisher and the amount of equipment to be carried on a fishing trip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a preferred embodiment of a multipurpose measure according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a magnified view of an end of the multipurpose measure of Figure 1 , including a headboard and labelled gauges; Figure 3 is a magnified view of a middle section of the multipurpose measure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a magnified view of a second end of the multipurpose measure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a plan view from below of a back plate for the gauges of the multipurpose measure of Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a profile view of the back plate of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of the gauge for brown mud crabs of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a view of area A of Figure 7, illustrating a cut-out; Figure 9 is a view of area A of Figure 10 below, illustrating a cut-out;

Figure 10 is a plan view from above of the gauge for southern rock lobster of Figure 2;

Figure 11 is a plan view from above of the gauge for tropical rock lobster/marron of Figure 2; Figure 12 is a view of area A of Figure 11 , illustrating the cut-out;

Figure 13 is a view of area A of Figure 14 below, illustrating the cut-out;

Figure 14 is a plan view from above of the gauge for green mud crabs of Figure 2;

Figure 15 is a plan view from above of the gauge for blue swimmer crabs of Figure 16 is a view of area A of Figure 15, illustrating the cut-out;

Figure 17 is a view of area A of Figure 18 below, illustrating the cut-out; and

Figure 18 is a plan view from above of the gauge for western rock lobster of Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description includes the best mode of performing the invention, known to the inventor.

Throughout the drawings some textual matter has been included as it is indispensible to the understanding of the invention. The textual matter is used to inform the user of the invention of the legal size limits for different species of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like and other pertinent information.

Referring to Figures 1 to 18, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, of multipurpose measure 1 , also known as the FISHOS FRIEND™, an all purpose extendible fishing measure. Multipurpose measure 1 is designed to measure the minimum (and in some cases the maximum) size of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like to determine if they are of legal size.

Referring in particular to Figures 1 to 4, multipurpose measure 1 has a first main body 10, a second main body 12, a first slide 14 and a second slide

16. First main body 10 is the same length and width as second main body

12. First main body 10 is attached to second main body 12 by a hinge 18 so that second main body 12 can fold under first main body 10. Alternatively, hinge 18 could hinge the other way so that the second main body 12 can fold on top of first main body 10. Any alternative mechanism of connecting first main body 10 to second main body 12 could be used. Second slide 16 is adapted to slide into first slide 14 so as to be contained within first slide 14. First slide 14 in turn is adapted to slide into second body 12 and be contained therein. A headboard 20, is attached to an end 22 of first main body 10 by hinge 24. Headboard 20 can move between lying flat on first main body 10 when not in use through 90 degrees to stand-up at right-angles to first main body 10, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Gauges 26 are adapted to extend or slide widthways out from first main body 10 as is described in further detail below. Multipurpose measure 1 is shown including 6 gauges, each for measuring different, specific, crustaceans. It is envisaged that any number of gauges could be included as appropriate for the number required in a particular geographical area.

First main body 10 and second main body 12 as illustrated are 350mm long, 100mm wide and 12-15mm deep. First slide 14 is 300mm and second slide 16 is 250mm long, as illustrated. Along the length of first main body 10, second main body 12, first slide 14 and second slide 16 are marked measurements 27 in millimetres from 0 to 1250mm, labelled at 10mm intervals. Measurements 27 are printed onto multipurpose measure 1 but could be indicated in any suitable manner including etching or labels. Alternative measurements could be used, such as inches and feet. Measurements 27 enable fish, for example, to be measured up to 1250mm in length, when multipurpose measure 1 is fully extended.

All components of multipurpose measure 1 , as illustrated, are made of a strong plastic material but alternatively could be made of any suitable plastic, wood or metal or any combination of these materials. Multipurpose measure 1 starts in a folded state where second slide 16 is slid lengthways inside first slide 14, which in turn is slid lengthways inside second main body 12. Each of first slide 14 and second slide 16 has locking tabs, not shown which are engaged by sliding slide 14 or 16 in until the

- .l9£JSi ⁿ 9 _h l§l ^{D is} engaged. Each locking tab prevents the respective slide from sliding out when not in use. Holes 28 and 30 on second main body 12 and holes 32 and 34 in first slide 14 are used to help secure first slide 14 to second main body 12. Second main body 12 is folded under first main body 10 along hinge 18 and headboard 20 is folded through 90 degrees along hinge 24 to lie flat on first main body 10. Headboard 20 as illustrated has dimensions of 100mm by 100mm.

In the folded state multipurpose measure 1 measures 350mm long, 100mm wide and approximately 30mm deep. These dimensions are similar to a standard ruler, and so can easily and conveniently be carried in a bag, fishing box or pocket. The strong, compact, structure of the multipurpose measure 1 in the folded state is a significant advantage over existing measures for fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like.

To transform multipurpose measure 1 from the folded to state to the extended state, second main body 12 is unfolded from under first main body 10 by hinge 18 so that first main body 10 and second main body 12 lie end to end. First slide 14 can be grasped by an end (not labelled) through cut-out 36 in second main body 12 and extended out lengthways, to form a continuous line with first main body 10 and second main body 12. Locking tab (not shown) resists the extending action but is easily overcome, to allow first slide 14 to be extended out. In a similar fashion second slide 16, having an end (not shown) protruding through cut-out 38 in first slide 14 can be grasped and extended lengthways, to lie in a continuous line with first main body 10, second main body 12 and first slide 14. Again, resistance against the extending movement by locking tab (not shown) must be overcome. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate multipurpose measure 10 in the fully extended state, and with headboard folded up at 90 degrees from end 22 of first main body 10 by hinge 24. Multipurpose measure 1 , can be used to measure items using measurements 27 which are illustrated as incremental continuous measurement marks running along the first main body 10, second main toactye s1v2ςt first slide 14 and second slide 16, in the extended state. Multipurpose measure 1 can also be used to measure shorter items in the folder state, or when first main body 10 and second main body 12 are unfolded, or when only slide 14 is extended, depending on the length required. In use, the head of a fish, for example, is positioned up against headboard 20 so that the measurement head to the tail can be taken. As illustrated, measurements 27 are in millimetres but could equally use other means of indicating length or otherwise.

Legal size labels 39 are included along measurements 27 as a ready reference for fishers. The particular rules and regulations depend very much on the location of the fisher, the country, region and whether they are fishing the sea, rivers or dams. For example, in the illustrated embodiment at 250mm a number of fish species are listed that are of legal size if they are 250mm or longer including black bream, flounder and leather jacket.

The back of multipurpose measure 1 (not shown) includes a listing of size and bag limits for popular varieties of fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like as a ready reference for the fisher. The information included on the back of multipurpose measure 1 may be varied as desired or may be left blank. It is envisaged that other useful information, advertisements, trademarks or slogans may be included on any part of multipurpose measure 1 , including headboard 20.

In addition to measuring fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like with the measurements 27 and labels 39, gauges 26 can be used. Gauges 26 have premeasured cut-outs of the legal size limit measurement for measuring across the carapace of a particular species of crustacean. Gauges 26 could be adapted to measure other sea creatures, for example, small fish, oysters and abalone and different types of crab or lobster. Gauges 26 cbuld be adapted to measure length or other dimensions, not just the carapace. Each gauge 26 is labelled, and includes information on the particular species such as whether females can be kept, bag and boat limits and seasons. With such specific and detailed requirements it is handy to be have a ready reference to the regulations on the gauge 26 for determining if legal size has been met.

Referring in particular to Figures 5 to 18, detail of gauges 26 are illustrated, together with back plate 40 to first main body 10. In Figure 5 back plate 40 is shown from below. The position of tabs and runners (see below) are indicated. Back plate 40 includes crustacean fishing information 41 relevant to use of gauges 26. Back plate 40 provides support to gauges 26 and contains runners 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 which define the extent and direction of movement of a particular gauge 26 as gauge 26 is extended out of multipurpose measure 1. Each runner has a first tab 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 respectively and a second tab 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112, respectively. Runners 42-64, first tabs 66-88 and second tabs 90-112 are illustrated in Figure 5 only, although reference is made below with respect to particular gauges 26, for ease of understanding.

First tabs 66-88 act as a backstop and prevents the particular gauge 26 from being pushed too far into first main body 10. Second tabs 90-112 define the maximum extent a particular gauge 26 can extend out of first main body 10 and prevents the gauge 26 from falling out of first main body 10. First tabs 66-88 are all positioned in a line as the backstop position is same for all the runners 42-64. However, runners 42, 52, 54, 56, 62 and 64 are long runners allowing a greater range of extent, compared to short runners 44, 46, 48, 50, 58 and 60.

Figure 6 is a profile view of back plate 40 illustrating how gauges 26 fit, above one another into back plate 40, so that each gauge can be used separately and independently. Gauges 26 slide in the stepped arrangement of back plate 40, as can be seen also in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 7 to 18, gauges 26 are individually illustrated together with a detailed view of the cut-outs enabling each gauge 26 to extend in and out between first body 10 and back plate 40.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate gauge 114 for measuring brown mud crabs, having body 116, first arm 118 and second arm 120. Information 121 provides information specific to the legal requirements for catching brown mud crabs. As illustrated, gauge 114 for brown mud crabs is 149 mm across body 116, and each arm 118 and 120 extends 95mm, with a distance of 120mm, the minimum legal size between the inside of arms 118 and 120. In use, gauge 114 is placed around the carapace of a brown mud crab and if the crab fits within gauge 114 the crab is to be returned as it is not legal size. If gauge 114 cannot fit around or across the carapace of the brown mud crab, then legal size, according to gauge 114, has been reached and the crab can be kept. Figure 8 shows the detail of area A of Figure 7, the slide cut-out 122 which enables gauge 114 to slide along runners 42 and 52 from tabs 66 and 76 to tabs 90 and 100. Tabs 66 and 76 act as a backstop and hold gauge 114 in first main body 10. Also when gauge 114 is extended out tabs 90 and 100 prevent gauge 114 falling out and locks in place for use. Figure 9 and 10 illustrate gauge 124 for southern rock lobster, and the detail of area A, gauge 124 having body 126, first arm 128 and second arm 130. As illustrated, gauge 124 is 123mm across body 126, and each arm 128 and 130 is 95mm long with the space between the inside of first arm 128 and second arm 130 being 102mm, the legal size for southern rock lobster. The southern lock lobster gauge 124 is used to measure the carapace, which if exceeds 102mm is of legal size according to the illustrated example, and can be kept, unless other regulations apply.

Figure 9 shows the detail of area A of Figure 10, including slide cut-out 132 which _^ slides along runners 44 and 50 from tabs 68 and 74 to tahs P? tn 9ft as described for gauge 114. Runners 44 and 50 are short runners reflecting how far gauge 124 can extend out from first main body 10. Information 131 provides information specific to the legal requirements for catching southern rock lobster. Figures 11 and 12 illustrates gauge 134 for tropical rock lobster/marron having body 136, first arm 136 and second arm 138. Body 136 is 96mm across and each arm 136 and 138 is 95mm long, with the gap between them 76mm, the legal size limit, according to the illustrated example. Information 139 provides information specific to the legal requirements for tropical rock lobster/marron. Figure 12 shows area A of Figure 11 , with slide cut-out 142 (identical to gauge 124) adapted to slide along runners 46 and 48, from first tabs 70 and 72 to second tabs 94 and 96.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate gauge 144 for green mud crabs having a body 146, first arm 148 and second arm 150. Body 146 as illustrated is 170mm across and each arm 148 and 150 is 95 mm long. The distance between and inside arms 148 and 150 is 150mm, appropriate legal size. Figure 13 shows area A of Figure 14 with slide cut-out 152. Slide cut-out 152 is slightly different to slide cut-outs 132 and 142 but functions in the same manner, sliding along runners 54 and 88 from first tabs 78 and 88 to second tabs 102 and 112. Information 151 provides information specific to the legal requirements for green mud crabs.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate gauge 154 for blue swimmer crabs having body 156, first arm 158 and second arm 160. Body 156 as illustrated is 147mm across and each arm 158 and 160 is 95 mm long. The distance between arms 158 and 160 for defining the legal size carapace for blue swimmer crabs is 127mm. Information 161 describes legal requirements for catching blue swimmer crabs. Figure 16 shows area A of Figure 15, with slide cutout 162 as for gauge 144. Gauge 154 is extendible by sliding along runners 56 and 62, from first tabs 80 and 86 to second tabs 104 and 110. Figures 17 and 18 illustrates gauge 164 for western rock lobster, having body 166, first arm 168 and second arm 170. Body 166, as illustrated is 109mm across with each arm 168 and 170 being 95mm, with a distance of 77mm between them, the legal size of the carapace of western rock lobster. Information 171 provides specific legal requirements information for catching western rock lobster. Figure 17 shows the detail of area A of Figure 18 including slide cut-out 172 as for gauge 124. Gauge 164 slides along runners 58 and 60, between first tabs 82 and 84 and second tabs 106 and 108, determining the extent gauge 164 can extend or retract. Gauges 26 could take any suitable shape or form, such as being a long, thin, rectangular shape. Gauges 26 in other forms of the invention, could be straight measures, such as ruler, adapted to indicate legal size of specific species of fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like.

Multipurpose measure 1 and gauges 26 as illustrated refer to various types fish, crustaceans and shellfish as found in Australia. Multipurpose measure 1 and gauges 26 could be adapted for use for any kind fish, crustaceans, shellfish or the like as found in any geographical region and include the measurements and information relevant to those species, in that area.

In use on a fishing trip, a fisher may be line fishing and have a crab pot baited and set. A fish may be caught and identified through experience or reference to a fishing book. Then the multipurpose measure 1 is extended to an appropriate length, as described above, to measure the fish using measurements 27. The head of the fish is put against headboard 20 and a measurement taken, or the name of the fish looked for on multipurpose measure 1. If the fish is bigger than the minimum size listed and is legal size the fish, may be kept, assuming all other requirements have been met, and there is no maximum size. Having kept the fish, the crab pot is checked and by some miracle it contains two crabs. The fisher examines and identifies the crabs as a blue swimmer and a brown mud crab. Gauge out of first main body 10 by grasping the two protruding tabs and pulling out gently. Arms 158 and 160 are placed across the blue swimmer crab's carapace but the crab is found to be much smaller than the 127mm required, and so is put back. Gauge 154 can then be pushed in and retracted back into first main body 10. Gauge 114 can, in the same way, then be extended out from the first main body 10 and placed across the carapace of the brown mud crab. The crab does not fit within arms 118 and 120 and clearly exceeds the legal size limit of 120mm, and can be kept, again assuming all other requirements have been met. Gauge 114 can be replaced and if the fisher has finished fishing multipurpose measure 1 can be returned to the folded state as described above and stored away.

Multipurpose measure 1 has significant advantages to known methods of measuring fish, crustaceans, shellfish and the like as it folds up to be compact and easy to carry, without risk of damage. Since multipurpose measure 1 enables measurement of large and small fish and use of all the gauges 26 you may need to determine if a crab or lobster is of legal size, only the single tool need be carried for the fisher to be ready for any catch. Further, the inclusion of the relevant regulations and requirements on the measure and on the particular gauge 26 greatly facilitates compliance with the fishing regulations. Therefore, use of the multipurpose measure 1 encourages sustainable fishing practises, and helps a fisher to avoid fines or other punishments for falling foul of fishing authority regulations.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.