(a) Except in the case of shellfish aquaculture leases on Delaware's Inland Bays, no new shellfish grounds shall be leased to any person in tracts consisting of less than 50 or more than 100 acres. All new leases will be in a general rectangular shape. The restriction contained in this subsection shall not apply to those leases granted for scientific purposes as described in § 1905(c) of this title.
(b) Except in the case of shellfish aquaculture leases on Delaware's Inland Bays, the Department shall annually advertise the general locations of shellfish grounds which may be leased and are not currently subject to a valid lease. Such advertisements shall be in 1 daily newspaper of statewide distribution and shall be published on 2 separate occasions at least 30 days apart between January 1 and March 1 of each calendar year. Upon specific request, the Department shall furnish a more detailed description of the specific shell-lands available for lease.
(c) Except in the case of shellfish aquaculture leases on Delaware's Inland Bays, any person wishing to lease shellfish grounds in accordance with this section shall make application to the Department prior to March 15 on the form which shall be provided by the Department. Each application must be complete. The Department may require additional and/or supplemental information if deemed necessary.
(d) Except in the case of shellfish aquaculture leases on Delaware's Inland Bays, in the event that more than 1 application is received for the same grounds, the grounds will be leased on a competitive sealed bid over and above the base fee for the first year.