Another was a very wealthy and highly cultured landowner, upon
whom all in the monastery were in a sense dependent, as a
decision of the lawsuit might at any moment put their fishing
rights in his hands.

What does fishing rights impy here?

Question

Another was a very wealthy and highly cultured landowner, upon
whom all in the monastery were in a sense dependent, as a
decision of the lawsuit might at any moment put their fishing
rights in his hands.

What does fishing rights impy here?

Answer

Hi, the landowner es el dueño de la tierra, and the entire monastery has to abide by his wishes, porq el es el dueño , since he is the owner, si hay una demanda , lo más posible es q la ley esté a su favor y el dueño tenga poder de decisión y pueda otorgarles o no el derecho de pesca