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HD 500

An Act prohibiting the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Hendricks

Massachusetts bans octopus aquaculture for human consumption and bars sale/transfer of aquaculture octopus products, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day.

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Bill Summary · HD 500

Summary of HD 500: An Act prohibiting the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption

Purpose and intent

  • Proposes to prohibit the aquaculture of any octopus species for the purpose of human consumption in Massachusetts.
  • Adds a new statutory prohibition and related enforcement mechanisms to prevent commercial octopus farming and the sale/transfer of octopus products derived from aquaculture.

Key provisions

Definitions (Section 107)

  • Aquaculture: Waters used primarily and directly in the commercial cultivation of aquatic organisms (finfish, mollusks, or crustaceans) in a controlled environment.
  • Octopus: A cephalopod mollusk with eight limbs, within the order Octopoda; excludes wild-caught octopuses or octopuses propagated, cultivated, maintained, reared, or harvested only for research purposes unrelated to commercial production.

Prohibitions

  • (a)(b) No person shall engage in the aquaculture of any octopus species for human consumption.
  • (c) No business entity shall sell, possess, or transport any octopus that is the product of aquaculture.

Penalties and enforcement

  • (d) Violations may result in a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 per day, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense. Penalties can be collected via a summary proceeding under Chapter 30A or through a civil action brought by the commissioner. In addition to penalties, the superior court may assess the violator the amount of economic benefit gained from the violation.
  • (e) The division may adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the section.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Aquaculture operators and businesses involved in farming octopuses for human consumption.
  • Secondary: Entities that sell, possess, or transport octopus products derived from aquaculture.
  • Exclusions: Wild-caught octopuses and octopuses propagated, cultivated, maintained, reared, or harvested solely for non-commercial research purposes are not covered by the prohibition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill adds a new Section 107 to Chapter 130 of the General Laws. It outlines definitions, prohibitions, penalties, and regulatory authority.
  • The text does not specify an effective date or sunset provision within the section itself; typically, such provisions would take effect upon enactment or a specified future date if the bill becomes law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Establishes a clear statewide stance against octopus aquaculture intended for human consumption.
  • Creates penalties and a framework for enforcement, potentially shaping the Massachusetts seafood supply chain and related industries.
  • Leaves room for regulatory development through future rules by the division and enforcement actions by the commissioner.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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