1. Purposes. The purposes of this section are to increase the availability of pathological assessment of shellfish stock to be introduced into the State for culturing purposes, of culturing facilities and areas and of shellstock to be exported to other states and countries. This shall be provided as a service to protect the state’s waters and other resources, and to support the shellfish industries of the State.

2. Responsibilities. The department shall be the state agency responsible for carrying out necessary shellfish pathology services related to the importation and exportation of shellfish.