(a) The Department of Agriculture may inspect shellfish beds and areas in this state where shellfish are grown or harvested, all boats, tools and appliances used in the production and preparation of shellfish and all wharves or buildings where shellfish are stored, transferred, opened, packed or prepared for sale or shipment. The Department of Agriculture may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, after consultation with the Department of Public Health, for the sanitary growth, production, purification and preparation of shellfish. Such regulations shall incorporate by reference the provisions of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance, as amended from time to time. Each commercial harvester, producer or shipper of shellfish shall obtain from said department a license on which shall be stated information regarding the identification of the license holder and any conditions pertaining to the character of such licensee’s shellfish operations. Said department may establish a fee for each type of shellfish license it issues. The department may require that shellfish shipments be tagged or containers marked to identify the shipper by name and location and the source of the shipment and furnish such other pertinent information as may apply. Any license granted under the authority of this section may be revoked by said department for cause, after notification and hearing. No person, firm or corporation shall make any shipments or deliveries of shellfish after the license of such person, firm or corporation has been suspended or revoked. Any license may be suspended pending revocation proceedings, or amended, if shellfishing operations or harvesting areas are a public health hazard or if the licensee has violated any provision of this section, § 26-192e, 26-192f or 26-192h or any applicable department regulation or any section of the Public Health Code concerning shellfishing. The department may refuse to issue a license if the applicant has violated any provision of this section, § 26-192e, 26-192f or 26-192h or any applicable department regulation or any section of the public health code concerning shellfish.

(b) The Department of Agriculture may delegate its licensing authority pursuant to this section and sections 26-192f and 26-192h to other state agencies and to local agencies.