(1)  The Minister may, upon payment of such fee as he may determine, grant a licence (in this section referred to as a "marine plant licence" ) for the taking of marine plants cast by the sea on Crown land or on land which is under the control of the Minister.

(2)  A marine plant licence shall specify –

(a) the area from which marine plants may be taken by the holder of that licence, either exclusively or in conjunction with the holders of other marine plant licences; and

(b) the rent or royalty, or both, payable to the Minister in respect of that licence; and

(c) such other conditions and restrictions to which the licence is subject, including any condition as to its forfeiture, as the Minister may determine.

(3)  A marine plant licence is in force for such period as may be specified in the licence.

(4)  A marine plant licence may, upon payment of the prescribed fee and with the consent of the Minister, be transferred or assigned for the remainder of the period of the licence to a person approved by the Minister.

(5)  A marine plant licence transferred or assigned under subsection (4) shall continue to be subject to the conditions and restrictions to which it was subject immediately before the transfer or assignment.

(6)  A transfer or assignment of a marine plant licence that is made without the consent of the Minister is of no effect.

(7)  In this section, marine plant includes any kind of plant that normally lives throughout its life in the sea.