(a) The Department shall have control and direction of the shellfish industry and of the protection of shellfish resources throughout this State. The Department may adopt, promulgate, amend and repeal regulations consistent with the law, which shall be enforced by the Department or any peace officers for the following purposes:

(1) To preserve and improve the shellfish industry of this State;

(2) To prevent and control the spread of shellfish-borne diseases by providing for the sanitary harvesting, handling, transportation, processing, production and sale of shellfish;

(3) To regulate, inspect and approve any vessel or equipment used in the shellfish industry in this State;

(4) To provide for the issuance of licenses or leases to persons engaged in the shellfish industry in this State and for the revocation for cause of such licenses or leases;

(5) To provide for the preservation and improvement of the shellfish resources of this State, when deemed necessary.

(b) The regulations of the Department shall have the force and effect of law and shall supersede all local ordinances and regulations enacted or adopted which are inconsistent therewith.

(c) For the purpose of enforcing the marine fisheries laws on the waters under the jurisdiction of the State, the Department shall keep and maintain suitable vessels to patrol these waters. The patrol vessel shall be subject to call at all times to enforce the marine fisheries laws of the State. On board the patrol boats shall be kept log books in which shall be recorded the daily activities of all the functions performed on any work day.

7 Del. C. 1953, § 1907; 51 Del. Laws, c. 151, § 1; 57 Del. Laws, c. 739, §§ 91, 92; 60 Del. Laws, c. 513, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 588, § 1; 79 Del. Laws, c. 178, § 2.