The power granted by this Title to the council, subject to the provisions of R.S. 50:1-18, to lease lands under the tidal waters of this State for the planting and culture of shellfish is exclusive, and no other State agency may, in the name of the State or otherwise, give, grant or convey to any person the exclusive right to plant or take shellfish from any of those waters; and no grant or lease of lands under tidewater, whereon there are natural oyster beds, shall be made by any other State agency except for the purpose of building wharves, bulkheads or piers.
N.J.S. § 50:1-24