World Octopus Day: Ban octopus farming now

The company Nueva Pescanova had advanced plans to build a large-scale octopus farm on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. After years of opposition from citizens, scientists, Project 1882 and other organisations, the company finally abandoned its plans this summer.

Now, Project 1882 and more than 160 other organisations and scientists have sent a letter to Costas Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, calling for a ban on octopus farming before the industry becomes established. The call for a ban has also been backed by 35 Members of the European Parliament, who have sent a similar letter to the European Commission.

"We need legislation banning octopus farming before the industry becomes established. This is a unique opportunity to prevent more animal factories before they are built. We need fewer animal factories, not more."

– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882

Severe suffering in captivity

Octopuses are curious animals with complex behaviours and needs. They are naturally solitary, and keeping them in captivity alongside other octopuses would cause significant suffering.

The slaughter method proposed by the industry involves killing octopuses in ice slurry baths, despite concerns that this causes severe suffering.

In addition to the serious animal welfare concerns associated with farming and slaughter, octopuses are carnivorous animals. They require feed containing fishmeal and fish oil, which are produced from wild-caught fish, contributing to animal suffering, death, and pressure on already overexploited marine ecosystems.

Several U.S. states, including Washington and California, have already introduced bans on octopus farming.