Government Officially Declares Squid Are Now Shellfish
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 23, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating the definition of shellfish to officially include squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods—even though they don’t have traditional shells. This change clears up confusion, matches modern science and business, and makes regulations simpler for fishermen and seafood sellers. No extra costs, just a smarter way to protect and manage these sea creatures!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Squid, Octopus, Cuttlefish Now 'Shellfish'
Starting July 23, 2026, the Fish and Wildlife Service amends 50 CFR 10.12 so that shellfish explicitly includes cephalopods such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish. This clarifies how these species are treated for importation, exportation, declaration, inspection, and enforcement under the Service's regulations.
Change Applies Only to Future Shipments
The revised definition and its effects apply only to shipments imported into or exported out of the United States on or after July 23, 2026. The Service will not reevaluate or retroactively change actions taken on shipments that entered or left the United States before that date.
Regulatory Ambiguity Reduced; Cost Savings
The Service says this change is deregulatory: it removes the phrase 'having a shell,' aligns the rule with modern science and commercial practice, and reduces regulatory ambiguity. The agency states this should reduce compliance obligations and result in cost savings for small businesses.
Inspections and Enforcement Remain Possible
Although cephalopods are added to the shellfish definition, the Service retains authority to inspect any shipments imported into or exported from the United States and to ensure legality of wildlife trade. The change does not remove the Service's inspection authority.
Sea Urchins and Sea Cucumbers Still Excluded
The Service declined requests to add red and purple sea urchins and sea cucumbers to the shellfish definition, noting they are echinoderms (not mollusks). Those species are not covered by this definition change and remain treated separately for import/export purposes.
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Key Dates
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