This World Octopus Day (8 October), we’re taking action to increase pressure on the EU to stop octopus farming before it starts.

A potential disaster

We have stopped Nueva Pescanova’s plans for the world’s first commercial farm in Spain, but that doesn’t mean these amazing animals are safe. With reports of potential projects in Spain, Japan, and Mexico, octopus farming could become a reality in more parts of the world.

Octopus farming would be both an animal welfare and environmental disaster. These sentient, naturally solitary, highly intelligent animals, cannot be humanely farmed in barren tanks. What’s more, our research has found that octopus farms would also depend on large quantities of wild-caught fish for feed, adding further pressure to our already overexploited oceans.  

Action in Italy and the EU

In Italy, MP Devis Dori (Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra) is preparing to present a bill which seeks to ban octopus and tuna farming, nationally. The proposal, which will be unveiled during a press conference at the Chamber of Deputies in the Italian Parliament this Tuesday (13 October), will focus on protecting the Mediterranean Sea from the threats posed by expanding carnivorous aquaculture.

At the same time, Costas Kadis, the EU commissioner for fisheries and oceans, has received two letters calling for a ban on octopus farming. The first from 35 Members of the European Parliament, and a second, coordinated by us, signed by over 160 NGOs and scientists.

Public pressure

Public pressure is also growing in France and the Netherlands. In France, we’re handing in a petition with over 102,000 signatures to the cabinet of the Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries. This calls for a ban on octopus farming at the European level and a moratorium in France. Scientists, policymakers, and activists are joining us in Paris to unveil a huge new octopus artwork by street artist Kraken, displayed on a barge in the heart of the city, which calls on leaders to 'Keep Them Wild'.

In the Netherlands, our petition urging the Spanish Government to ban octopus farming, with over 12,000 signatures, will also be handed in to the Spanish Embassy today.

Momentum is building

Charlotte Reid, our Deputy Director of Global Campaigns Policy & Advocacy, said:  

Octopuses are not products to be confined in underwater factory farms.  The collapse of Nueva Pescanova’s plans in Gran Canaria shows that public opposition and action can make a difference to stopping animal cruelty.  

Pressure is intensifying across Europe and globally to stop this cruel and unnecessary industry from taking hold. The proposals for national legislation in Italy are a welcome and important step, and momentum is building for the European Commission to show similar leadership, listen to the scientists, campaigners, citizens, and politicians calling for a ban, and to act now.

Help us stop octopus farming from becoming the next frontier of factory farming.

Pressure Grows on the EU to Keep Octopuses Wild