Bill > H127

This bill establishes a comprehensive prohibition on octopus aquaculture for human consumption in Massachusetts. The legislation defines key terms, including "aquaculture" as the commercial cultivation of aquatic organisms in a controlled environment, and "octopus" as a cephalopod mollusk with eight limbs, specifically excluding wild-caught octopuses and those used for research purposes. The bill explicitly forbids any person from engaging in octopus aquaculture intended for human consumption and prohibits business entities from selling, possessing, or transporting octopuses produced through aquaculture. Violations of these provisions will result in significant financial penalties, with potential fines up to $1,000 per day of violation, and each day of continued violation considered a separate offense. The bill allows the relevant division (likely the state's agricultural or fisheries department) to develop and implement necessary regulations to enforce these restrictions. This legislation appears to be aimed at protecting wild octopus populations and potentially addressing ethical concerns about octopus farming.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H127