Massachusetts Considers American Lobster as Official Crustacean

March 15, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET – Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would designate the American lobster as the official crustacean of the Commonwealth. The proposal, filed on February 19, 2026, by State Representative Joan Meschino of Hull and State Senator Patrick O’Connor of Weymouth, aims to recognize the lobster’s significant role in the state’s maritime economy and cultural heritage.

Bill Details and Legislative Support

House Docket No. 5691, formally titled “An Act establishing the official crustacean of the Commonwealth,” has garnered support from legislators and industry stakeholders. Representative Meschino and Senator O’Connor initiated the bill, with additional support added by Kathleen R. LaNatra and Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. On March 12 and 13, 2026, respectively. The bill has been reported out of committee and referred to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. HD.5691

Industry Backing

The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association has voiced its support for the legislation. Beth Casoni, the Executive Director of the association, stated that the American lobster is the state’s most valuable resource harvested within state waters. Yahoo News

Economic and Cultural Significance

Lobster plays a vital role in the economy and tourism of Cape Cod and other coastal Massachusetts towns. Restaurants throughout the region feature lobster in a variety of dishes, including lobster rolls, bisques, and mac ‘n’ cheese. Massachusetts is currently the second-largest lobster producer in the country. Yahoo News

Precedent and Comparison to Maine

Maine designated the American lobster as its official crustacean in 2016, after more than three decades as the largest lobster-producing state in the nation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Yahoo News Despite the potential for a friendly rivalry, Senator O’Connor emphasized that Massachusetts’ consideration of the lobster is about recognizing its own unique history and the contributions of its fishing communities. He noted that multiple states share official symbols, citing the northern cardinal as the state bird in seven states and the white-tailed deer as the state animal in almost a dozen. Massachusetts and Maine already share the black-capped chickadee as their state bird.

Shared Symbolism and New England Unity

Senator O’Connor stated that recognizing the lobster in Massachusetts is not about competition with Maine, but rather about honoring the Commonwealth’s own maritime heritage. He believes that a shared official crustacean would reflect the strength and unity within New England. Yahoo News