Among other things, the Act and Regulations requires buyers, processors and others handling fish for gain to obtain an annual license. Licenses are issued for primary processing, secondary processing, lobster cookroom operations, fish buyers and fish peddlers. Applications for lobster buying licenses must be received by the Department at least 30 days prior to each lobster season. Moratoriums are in place for primary processing of lobster and ground fish. Businesses entering secondary processing activities with lobster or groundfish would be issued a secondary processing licence and the raw materials purchased from an existing licensed primary processing operation.
Regulations specify requirements for fish handling, processing and packaging.
Inspections are conducted yearly or as needed. Inspectors are available to provide advice for companies starting production for assurance of product safety and wholesomeness. Licensing is based on sanitation requirements in construction, equipment and operations and inspections are conducted yearly. Post-slaughter inspection of carcasses is conducted. No live animal assessments are conducted.