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A monumental bill moving through our legislature would ban octopus farming in the United States. The Opposing the Cultivation and Trade of Octopus Produced through Unethical Strategies (OCTOPUS) Act would not only ban commercial octopus farming, but it would outlaw the importation of farmed octopuses from outside of the country as well. Tell your legislators to support this bill and prevent an entirely new exploitative animal industry before it even has the chance to begin.

The OCTOPUS Act (S.4810) was introduced into the Senate by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). This bi-partisan bill crosses party lines; we can all agree that octopus farming needs to be halted before it even has a chance to begin!

2024 has been a big year for octopus farming already. In March, Washington became the first state to ban octopus farming, and this week California passed a ban as well. Other states are considering bans for the upcoming legislative session as well, but this federal bill would make octopus farming illegal in every state.

Octopuses are highly intelligent, sentient animals who thrive in the wild, not in captivity. Octopuses are known for their problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and knack for blending into their surroundings and would suffer immensely in a large-scale farm setting. These animals would face a severe lack of mental stimulation while deprived of the opportunity to explore and engage with their environment. Their notorious escapes from enclosures and interactions with objects demonstrate just how unsustainable confinement would be for them.

The environmental consequences of octopus farming would be severe. Such operations would pollute the surrounding ecosystems, with nitrogen and phosphorus runoff damaging marine biodiversity. Octopuses, being carnivores, would also require large amounts of fish for feed — further straining already dwindling wild fish populations. In addition to harming individual animals, octopus farming would contribute additional unnecessary pressure on ocean ecosystems.

Farming octopuses also presents a serious public health risk. These animals carry over 20 diseases, including Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera in humans. With the ongoing global concerns over zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 and avian flu, introducing another potential source of infection is a threat we can't afford. The risks associated with disease transmission from octopus farms further emphasize the urgency of preventing this practice from taking hold.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Support the OCTOPUS Act to Ban Cruel Octopus Farming

I’m writing to urge you to support the OCTOPUS Act (S.4810), crucial bipartisan legislation that would ban octopus farming in the United States, along with imports of commercially farmed octopus or products containing them. 

Octopuses are not only intelligent and sentient animals, but also highly unsuitable for farming. In the wild, they engage in complex behaviors, from problem-solving and exploration to perfectly camouflaging with their surroundings. Confining octopuses to a farm setting would cause immense suffering, as they would be deprived of the mental stimulation they need to thrive. Their natural behaviors — like escaping enclosures and interacting with their environment — make it clear that octopus farming is fundamentally inhumane.

The environmental consequences of allowing octopus farming are also significant and would contribute to pollution, with nitrogen and phosphorus runoff threatening marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, as carnivores, octopuses would require large amounts of wild-caught fish for feed, which would increase the strain on wild fish populations. Banning octopus farming is an essential step toward protecting marine life and preserving ocean habitats.

Public health risks are another critical concern. Octopuses are known to carry over 20 diseases, including Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera in humans. With zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 and avian flu still fresh in our minds, the last thing we need is to introduce a new source of infection. 

By banning octopus farming, you would be protecting not only octopuses and the environment but also public health. I strongly urge you to support the OCTOPUS Act and set a precedent for responsible, compassionate environmental stewardship.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.