WHereas Our Father of blessed memory King IAMES , did in the seuenth yeere of His reigne of Great Brittaine , set forth a Proclamation touching Fishing ; whereby for the many important reasons therein expressed , all persons , of what Nation or quality soeuer ( being not His naturall borne Subiects ) were restrained from Fishing vpon any the Coasts and Seas of Great Brittaine , Ireland , and the rest of the Isles adiacent , where most vsually heretofore Fishing had been , vntill they had orderly demanded , and obtained Licences from Our said Father , or His Commissioners in that behalfe , vpon paine of such chastisement as should be fit to be inflicted vpon such wilfull Offendors : Since which time , albeit , neither Our said Father , nor Our Selfe haue made any considerable execution of the said Proclamation , but haue with much patience expected a voluntary conformity of Our Neighbours and Allies , to so iust and reasonable Prohibitions and Directions as are contained in the same .

And now finding by experience , that all the inconueniences which occasioned that Proclamation , are rather increased then abated : We being very sensible of the premisses , and well knowing how farre We are obliged in Honour to maintaine the rights of Our Crowne , especially of so great consequence , haue thought it necessary , by the aduice of Our Priuie Councell , to renew the aforesaid restraint of Fishing vpon Our aforesaid Coasts and Seas , without Licence first obtained from Vs , and by these presents to make publique Declaration , that Our resolution is ( at times conuenient ) to keepe such a competent strength of Shipping vpon Our Seas , as may ( by Gods blessing ) be sufficient , both to hinder such further encroachments vpon Our Regalities , and assist and protect those Our good Friends and Allies , who shall henceforth , by vertue of Our Licences ( to be first obtained ) endeauour to take the benefit of Fishing vpon Our Coasts and Seas , in the places accustomed .