Purpose and Scope

The purpose of 322 CMR 15.00 is to establish a procedural and legal framework for marine aquaculture, including the possession, propagation, culture, sale and disposition of living marine organisms. The scope of 322 CMR 15.00 is to regulate the possession, transport, and sale of marine organisms for purposes of aquaculture; to establish operational guidelines for aquaculture facilities; to establish aquaculture license categories and procedures; and to provide a code of conduct for responsible marine aquaculture in the territorial waters of Massachusetts. It is intended that 322 CMR 15.00 will facilitate the development of a viable marine aquaculture industry, while protecting wild populations of marine organisms and their natural habitat from degradation or introduction of invasive aquatic species, parasites or diseases.