Project 1882 encourages Spain to stop the octopus factory
Today, October 8, marks World Octopus Day. In recognition of this occasion, Project 1882 is signing a joint letter addressed to Spain's Prime Minister and relevant ministers, urging them to halt the construction of the proposed octopus factory in Spain.
The world's first commercial octopus factory is set to open in the Canary Islands, but the Spanish government still has the opportunity to prevent this development. A recent global investigation into governmental funding for industrial octopus farming has revealed that Spain has allocated the most public funds—at least 9.7 million euros—to the development of intensive octopus farming, significantly contributing to this cruel and unsustainable industry.
Research indicates that octopuses are solitary animals, making it difficult for them to adapt to the high-intensity conditions typical of intensive production systems. Additionally, these intelligent animals would be unable to express their natural behaviors when confined in sterile tanks within controlled environments. The proposed slaughter method involves placing octopuses in ice water tanks, a practice that is profoundly inhumane, causing significant pain, fear, suffering, and a prolonged death.
As predators, octopuses require animal protein for growth, primarily sourced from fish or other marine organisms. This dependency exacerbates the already critical issue of overfishing in our oceans.
Project 1882 is signing this letter alongside various animal rights organizations worldwide, which will be sent to the Spanish government. Most recently, Project 1882 signed a letter urging the state of Washington to implement a ban on octopus factories and the purchase of farmed octopus. Following the advocacy, a law to prohibit octopus factories was initiated in Washington, and Project 1882 now seek a similar ban in Spain.
