§9-12-31. Boarding of boats, etc., and entrance into places of business to investigate compliance with laws.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or its duly authorized agent or agents shall have authority to board any boat, barge or other watercraft which is engaged in the taking or catching of oysters or shrimp or to enter the place of business of any person, firm, corporation or association engaged in the seafood industry or sale of seafoods and by inspection or investigation determine whether such boat, barge or other craft or such business is in every respect being operated in full compliance with the provisions of the seafood laws of this state or regulations based thereunder or whether oysters or shrimp or other seafoods are being taken or canned, packed or processed or caught or transported in full compliance with the laws relating to oysters and shrimp or other seafoods or regulations based thereunder.

(Acts 1936-37, Ex. Sess., No. 169, §31, p. 192; Code 1940, T. 8, §149.)