Several laws contain provisions with reference to fishing, but as they do not settle anything with reference to what is called ἐποχὡ because at the time when they were enacted this practice was not known; We desire to publish a constitution on this subject. Therefore We establish as a law the custom which was formerly observed, namely, that nets ought to be stretched at a distance of three hundred and sixty-five paces from each other, because this space seems to Us to be suitable. And, indeed, since without regard to this custom, the general welfare suggested that this should be the case, We do not hesitate to render it legal, in order that it may have, more force and hereafter be more strictly observed. Hence We decree that a space of three hundred and sixty-five paces, a distance which has already been established by common usage, shall be left between nets; and this must be done in such a way that the space shall be equal on both sides, that is to say, that there shall be a hundred and twenty-two and a half paces on one side, and the same on the other from the intermediate point which divides maritime lands. This is the rule which We adopt to regulate the stretching of nets in the future, but the provisions of this law shall make no alterations in those which have been stretched before its promulgation, which shall remain in the same place where they were in the beginning.