Ban octopus farming

Octopus farming raises major ethical and environmental concerns and has drawn public backlash from around the world. Octopuses are animals with charismatic and curious personalities, complex behaviors and needs, and have been shown to be highly intelligent. They are excellent problem solvers and can use tools such as seashells to protect themselves from predators. Octopuses are solitary animals. A life in captivity with other octopuses can lead to aggression and cannibalism. Octopuses are sentient creatures and this industry would lead to enormous suffering.

For several years, the company Nueva Pescanova has been trying to obtain a permit to open the world’s first octopus farm in Las Palmas, Spain. Project 1882, in collaboration with researchers and other animal rights organizations, has succeeded in stopping the construction. However, there is a risk that this type of factories could be established elsewhere.

We have a chance to be proactive and act before octopus factories are established. It is easier and more effective to stop a new industry than to try to ban it when facilities have already been built.

Project 1882, therefore, calls on the European Commission to ban the breeding of octopuses throughout the EU in order to stop the major suffering this industry would cause.