As corporations seek to advance breeding efforts, EU must act to stop octopus farming

The recent acquisition of an aquaculture activity permit by Grupo Profand for a research hatchery to breed octopuses in a warehouse in Moaña, Spain, has raised concerns among animal protection organisations who question the long-term implications of such research.

While the company claims that the primary objective of this phase of the project is to optimise the larval phase of the common octopus, “without the aim of production or commercialisation,” the project description in their permit request states that the research is for “industrial exploitation.” Regardless of the company’s intentions, such research could advance knowledge on the captive breeding of octopuses for future aquaculture purposes – an unethical and unsustainable practice that would have devastating impacts on these unique, intelligent creatures.

Two years ago, plans of another Spanish company, Nueva Pescanova, to establish the world’s first commercial octopus farm were met with widespread criticism from scientists and animal protection organisations. As well as having serious animal welfare concerns, the proposed farm poses significant threats to the environment, including threats to wildlife and public health, as well as exacerbating overfishing. These significant environmental risks led to the Canary Islands Government’s rejection of the company’s simplified environmental impact assessment in 2023, now requiring a second, more exhaustive assessment before the farm can advance. The company is now reported to be conducting research into optimal diets of captive octopuses. 

Last year, research by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) revealed that governments in Europe have spent millions in public funding to develop octopus farming, with the Spanish government spending €9.7 million. A 2024 survey published by Eurogroup for Animals and CIWF showed that the majority of EU citizens believe public funds should only support farming practices that ensure high welfare (86%) and are sustainable (79%).

In the United States, bans on octopus farming have already been introduced in the states of Washington and California, and a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US Congress which could prohibit commercial octopus farming throughout the entire country. Canada has introduced a similar bill at the federal level.