Section 51 Lobster Processing 2

Section 44 of chapter 130 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the third paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:-

If the measurement of any such lobster taken from 1 or the other eye sockets is of the required length, such lobster shall be deemed to be a legal lobster. In all prosecutions under this section, any mutilation of any lobster which affects its measurement as aforesaid shall be prima facie evidence that the lobster was or is less than the required length; provided, however, that the director shall, by regulation approved by the marine fisheries advisory commission, allow the onshore processing in the commonwealth of live lobsters of legal length into shell-on lobster parts and the importation of shell-on lobster parts for processing by wholesale dealers that are licensed by the department of public health under section 77G of chapter 94. Processed shell-on lobster parts may be possessed, sold or offered for sale in the commonwealth by any wholesale dealer, retail dealer or food establishments and such food product may be possessed by a consumer. The processing, possession or sale of shell-on lobster tails pursuant to this section shall be limited to shell-on lobster tails weighing 3 ounces or more. The packaging of processed shell-on lobster parts, including tails, pursuant to this section as a food product shall be labeled in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. This section shall not apply to common carriers having lobster in possession for the purpose of transportation.