Victory! Plans for World’s First Octopus Farm Abandoned
In a landmark victory for animals, Spanish multinational Nueva Pescanova has abandoned plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria, Spain.
According to reports, the company has formally withdrawn its application for a port concession in Las Palmas, bringing an end to a project that would have condemned hundreds of thousands of octopuses to lives of confinement, suffering, and violent slaughter.
The company has formally withdrawn its application for a port concession in Las Palmas, bringing an end to a project that would have condemned hundreds of thousands of octopuses to lives of confinement, suffering, and violent slaughter.
International Condemnation
The controversial scheme sparked global outrage from scientists, animal protection groups, and members of the public. Over 172,000 supporters from PETA entities worldwide sent emails to the government of Gran Canaria, demonstrating overwhelming public opposition to the cruel proposed facility.
Had the project gone ahead, intelligent, sensitive octopuses would have been confined in barren tanks before being killed for food. Scientists repeatedly warned that octopuses, who are naturally solitary animals, would likely suffer stress, aggression, injuries, and even cannibalism in intensive farming systems.
Octopuses are Someone, Not Something
Octopuses are remarkable individuals who feel pain, fear, and joy. They use tools, solve complex problems, and communicate through sophisticated colour changes. Researchers have recognised them as sentient beings capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions and sensations.
The proposed farm was also criticised for its environmental impact. As carnivores, the octopuses would have required vast quantities of fish and crustaceans, placing further pressure on already strained ocean ecosystems and causing more pain and suffering. In fact, the project would have fuelled the industrial fishing industry by requiring an estimated 2.1 billion fish – including sardines, anchovies and mackerel – to be caught and killed in its first year alone to feed the octopuses.
Help Other Animals
While this proposal has been defeated, octopuses and other marine animals still need our protection. The best way to spare these intelligent, fascinating individuals suffering is to leave them off your plate and choose delicious vegan food instead.
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