Squid, Octopus, and Cuttlefish Are Now Officially Shellfish

You might care about this because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has changed the official definition of "shellfish." This new rule removes the old phrase "having a shell." Instead, it specifically adds squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and other cephalopods to the definition. This means that for federal regulations, these creatures are now clearly considered shellfish. The Service says this update will make the rules easier to understand. It will also bring the regulations in line with current scientific knowledge and how businesses operate. The goal is to reduce confusion and make it less burdensome for companies that import or export these products. Before this change, the old definition caused problems because many cephalopods do not have an outside shell, even though scientists classify them as mollusks. This created a lot of uncertainty about how to regulate their trade. The new rule will become effective on July 23, 2026. This is a significant change for anyone involved in the seafood industry or interested in wildlife trade rules. What makes this rule particularly interesting is how it bridges the gap between old legal language, modern science, and commercial practice. For a long time, the legal definition of shellfish relied on the presence of an outer shell. This created a problem for animals like squid and octopus, which are mollusks but either have an internal shell or no shell at all. The Service is essentially updating a legal definition that was outdated. This shows how laws need to adapt as our understanding of the natural world grows and as industries change. The rule also highlights the different perspectives involved. Businesses want clear, simple rules to make trade smoother. Conservation groups, on the other hand, worry about potential gaps in oversight for marine species. The Service's decision to include cephalopods as shellfish, despite their lack of an external shell, aims to bring consistency to import and export procedures and reduce regulatory headaches for those involved in seafood trade. Several groups will find this legal document very relevant. First, seafood importers and exporters, especially those dealing with squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, will be directly affected. The rule aims to streamline their operations by clarifying regulations. Second, the commercial fishing industry and seafood producers, both in the U.S. and internationally, need to understand this change for their trade practices. Third, government agencies involved in wildlife trade, customs, and law enforcement will use this updated definition in their daily work. This includes officials at ports of entry and those enforcing wildlife protection laws. Fourth, scientists, marine biologists, and academics interested in marine taxonomy and how it influences policy will find this document important. Lastly, consumers who buy seafood might see indirect effects related to product availability, sourcing, or cost. Environmental and conservation organizations that monitor marine populations and trade will also closely follow the implications of this rule for oversight and sustainability.