The tenants of Giske fief complain of illegal longline fishing
NRR 6, s. 476 · 11. februar 1633 · København
Giske fief was now a sub-fief under Bergenhus, and the tenants of the Giske estate paid their land rent in fish. Their complaint about illegal longline fishing therefore concerned the very basis of their ability to pay their dues.
What the letter says
In Copenhagen on 11 February 1633 King Christian IV writes to Jens Juel. The Crown's tenants and servants in Giske fief complain of illegal longline fishing. Jens Juel is to investigate the matter diligently and put a stop to what is illegal, or obtain a judgment if anyone claims a right to fish in this way.
The letter in modern English
Jens Juel received a letter concerning the tenants of Giske fief. Christian IV. Our favour first. Know that since our and the Crown of Norway's tenants and servants in Giske fief complain of illegal longline fishing, we ask you to have this diligently investigated, and to put a stop to what is illegal, or obtain a judgment if anyone claims a right to it. Copenhagen, 11 February 1633.
Original text
Jens Juel fik Brev, Bønderne udi Giskø Len anrørendes. C. IV. V. G. t. Vid, at eftersom vore og Norges Krones Bønder og Tjenere udi Giskø Len besverger dennem over ulovligt Linefiske, da bede vi dig og naadigst ville, at du derom med Flid lader forfare, saa og hvis ulovligt er afskaffe, eller og Dom forhverve, om nogen formener sig derimod at være berettiget. Kjøbenhavn 11 Februar 1633. T. V. 270. Afskr. VIII. 270.
Background
Longline fishing with long lines carrying many hooks became common along the coast in the seventeenth century and could take far more fish than the handline. Disputes between longline and handline fishermen over who could use the fishing grounds are known from many places along the coast. For the tenants of the Giske estate, who paid their land rent in fish, fishing was the very basis for meeting their dues. Jens Juel was at this time feudal lord of Bergenhus, and Giske fief lay under him as a subordinate fief.