California Bans Octopus Farming And Sales Of Farmed Octopus

California is set to become the second US state to ban octopus farming and the first to ban the sale, possession, or transportation of farmed octopus. The bill has passed through the senate, and will soon become law. The legislation describes octopuses as “highly intelligent, curious, problem-solving animals” and highlights the threat to their welfare posed by farming, as well as the strain on wild fish populations.

The push to ban octopus farming is also evident in other areas, with Washington State having passed a similar ban earlier in the year. The global opposition to octopus farming is growing, with a Spanish company's plans to build the world's first intensive commercial octopus farm in the Canary Islands facing significant public protest and regulatory setbacks. Additionally, an octopus farm in Hawaii previously lost its permits and is in the process of relocating after an investigation revealed questionable practices. Legislation to ban octopus farming is also being considered in Hawaii and Mexico, where researchers are attempting to address high mortality rates in captive-bred octopuses.