The Mayor of Southampton was also the admiral of the Port and one of his duties was to moniter fishing rights and infringements, the Southampton Archives hold the records of the Admiralty Court which include the case the Itchen fishermen (SC9/4/167)

To the High Constables & Tythingmen

whom it may concern

Whereas information hath been made unto us his majesties justices of the peace that the several persons whose names are here under written have used at Sea traul nets or sea nets which have a meash of less than three inches & half from knot to knot in order to destroy the small Fish. These are therefore to require you & every of you that you do upon sight hereof deliver up your said netts into the hands of the said High Constable or such as shallbe by them appointed in order to their being publicly burnt. Which if any of them shall refuse so to doe you re then to sumon them to appear before us at the George Inn in Newport in the Isle of Whight on Monday the fifth day of October next at ten of the Clock in the Forenoon to shew raison if they can why their Nets should not be adjudged to be forfeited & the penalty of twenty ponds to be levied for every offence, and for want of payment or distress so to be imprisoned for twelve months prsuant to the she Statute in that case made 8 provided. G iven under our hands & seals this 26 Day of September Anno D 1730. Jo Leigh M Morgan J Barrington.

Thomas Diaper )

Richard Diaper ) of Itchen Ferry

Robert Adams )

John Trod )

John Lebbard )

William Diaper )

John Forster )

Thomas Lebbard )

James Fox ) of Itchin Ferry

John Clarke )

Robert Martin ) of Hamle