Feds Declare Octopuses Official Shellfish—Mind Blown!
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to update the definition of shellfish to officially include squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods. This change clears up confusion, matches science and business practices, and makes rules easier to follow. Anyone involved in fishing, selling, or regulating shellfish should know comments are open until April 6, 2026, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Cephalopods Officially Declared Shellfish
The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to change the regulatory definition of “shellfish” to explicitly include cephalopods such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, and to list Mollusca and Decapoda taxa. The Agency says this will reduce confusion at ports, avoid misclassification that can trigger extra permitting or documentation, and reduce compliance costs for importers, exporters, fishermen, sellers, and enforcement personnel. Comments are being accepted through April 6, 2026, and the Service states the rule would not impose new compliance obligations or reporting requirements.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.
2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.
2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-12955, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.
2026-12951, Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting
The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04442, Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-16, V-35, V-37, V-53, V-133, V-136, V-143, V-259, V-310, V-364, V-409, V-415, V-454, and V-605; Eastern United States
The FAA plans to update several VOR airways in the eastern U.S. because three key navigation stations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee are being shut down. This change helps modernize air travel by supporting the FAA’s plan to keep only the most essential VOR stations. Pilots and airlines should note these updates and send comments by April 20, 2026; no extra costs are expected.
Next: 2026-04467, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program; Correction
This correction fixes some missing labels in important tables from the 2027 health insurance rules under the Affordable Care Act. It mainly affects insurance companies and people using marketplace plans by clarifying how risk and payments are calculated. These fixes take effect right away on March 6, 2026, ensuring everyone has clear info before the 2027 plan year starts.