Advisory committees shall be formed in each county where soft-shell clams may be caught by hydraulic clam dredge. Each committee shall be composed of five persons, four of whom possess a hydraulic clam dredge license and one who possesses a soft-shell clam dealer’s and shipper’s license. Committee members shall be elected by persons possessing a hydraulic clam dredge license or a soft-shell clam dealer’s and shipper’s license. The Department shall confer with the elected committees on any matter affecting the management of the soft-shell clam fishery.