CHAP. 15.—An ACT to protect regularly hauled fishing shores in the
counties of Aecomae and Northampton.

Approved March 28, 1879.

Whereas many riparian owners in the counties of Accomac
and Northampton have, for a long series of years, used their
shores as regularly hauled fishing landings; and whereas, since
the introduction of pound-nets, they have been dispossessed of
this use and privilege; therefore,

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
any persons owning such regularly hauled fishing landings in
said counties shall not be deprived or dispossessed of this use
and privilege, and no person shall haul, drift or fish any seine
or set any gill-net or pound-net, or any other fixed apparatus
within the’ waters, bounds or berth of any regularly hauled
fishing landing, or opposite to any part of the shore of the
owner within a quarter of a mile therefrom of any such fishery
in said counties, without the consent and permission of said
riparian owners.

2. Any person offending against the provisions of this act
shall, on conviction thereof before a magistrate, forfeit and.
pay the sum of not less than fifty nor more than seventy-five
dollars, with costs of suit for each offence, which fine shall be
paid to the owner or owners of said shore, or to his, her, or
their legal representatives; and on failure of the offender to
pay said fine and costs, he shall be imprisoned in the county
jail not less than one nor more than two months.

3. This act shall be in force from its passage.