Experts Want to Stop the World’s First Octopus Farm

The world’s first octopus farm plans to sell aquaculture-born animals in 2023. The target capacity of the farm is 3,000 tonnes of octopus meat a year. However, scientists argue that octopuses are intelligent “sentient” creatures and should never be commercially raised for food. 

The Spanish company Nueva Pescanova Group started the project a few years ago. But then, the firm has remained silent on what details of the octopus farm. Animal rights activists are not only the ones opposing. Researchers also warn that it is not ethical. 

Playing with a Giant Pacific Octopus, known as DJ (Davy Jones), is part of Stacey Tonkin’s job. Stacey said that when she opens the lid on the tank to feed DJ, he often rushes out from his cave to see her. Octopuses live to about four- so at one year old, she says that DJ is considered a teenager. 

“He exhibits what you’d expect in a typical teenager – some days he’s grumpy and sleeps all day. Then on other days, he is playful and active and wants to show off.”

Stacey Tonkin is one of a team of five aquarists working at Bristol Aquarium. She sees DJ as a fantastic creature. The level of awareness that Stacey experiences are to be recognized in UK Law through the review of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. The amendment has come after experts examined more than 300 studies. 

Experts concluded that octopuses were “sentient creatures.” According to them, octopuses could feel pressure, excitement, and joy. In addition, these amazing creatures could also experience pain, distress, and harm. 

The authors said that they were convinced that octopus farming was impossible. So, the government could consider a ban on imported farmed octopus in the future. 

Nueva Pescanova has bred 50 octopuses and plans to increase the production over the coming year. Reports say that the firm will invest more than €50 million on the Canary Islands site. Nueva Pescanova plans to strengthen octopus meat across international markets to meet Italy, Australia, and China’s demand. 

Other companies are also experimenting with their octopus farm, like Japan’s Nissui. 

Farming System in The Sea

The BBC suspected whether the farm installation should push through in an extensive feature. BBC questioned the growing domestication of marine life in aquaculture, otherwise known as a farming system in the sea. 

Farming in the sea:

• Aquaculture pertains to the rearing of aquatic animals for food.
• It is the fastest-growing food production industry in the world.
• The global aquaculture market is growing at about 5% annually, with a projected income of almost $245 billion (£184 billion) by 2027.
• A total of 580 aquatic species are farmed globally. 
• Aquatic animals kept in captivity tend to be more aggressive and develop more diseases.
• The European Union recently issued guidelines acknowledging the lack of good farming practices and research gaps in aquaculture. 
• Dr. Elen Lara of the Compassion In World Farming told the BBC that engaging octopuses without cognitive stimulation are wrong. 

In a research paper entitled “The Case Against Octopus Farming,” some professors studied the animals’ “exceptional abilities,” including their sophisticated nervous systems to incredible memory. The authors warn that the creation of octopus farms is concerning because there is limited evidence about how to ensure the welfare of aquaculture. They also explained that keeping octopuses too closely together will likely cannibalize one another. 

Intensive farming systems are expected to be linked with high mortality rates and increased aggression of animals. Moreover, providing enough fish in octopus farms poses challenges, with stocks already in danger. 

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