as the details of the system industrial octopus farming On the envisioned farm in the Canary Islands by a company in the industry Criticism of the “cruelty” of these animals, whose great intelligence and sensitivity has been confirmed by scientists, is growing.. ‘Compassion in World Farming’ and ‘Eurogroup for Animals’ organizations demanded the cancellation of the project to establish the world’s first commercial octopus farm after learning about the development plans. they reveal the suffering of these animals and the environmental consequences of this factory farming.
The project presented by Nueva Pescanova to the General Directorate of Fisheries of the Government of the Canary Islands and introduced by the Eurogroup for Animals.indicates “the use of a ruthless method of slaughter”enclosing octopuses in small sterile tanks as well as using practices that contribute to overexploitation of wild fish populations”. All these negative effects are detailed in the report titled. The terrible truth of the baby octopus revealed.
Documents released by these organizations, about one million octopuses will be grown The farm in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Port in Spain produces about 3,000 tons per year.
They also confirm the fears of animal welfare advocates about the possibility of implementing a number of highly alarming practices, such as:
● Sacrificed by immersion in icy water: an extremely repulsive and inhumane method scientifically proven to cause severe pain, fear and suffering, as well as a slow death.
● Closed in tanks and high densitieswhere octopuses are at risk of aggression and even cannibalism due to their solitary and territorial nature.
● Exposure to artificial light for 24 hours to increase reproduction, It will cause extreme stress given the disgust these animals have to light up.
● Feeding with commercial feed containing fishmeal and fish oil as the main ingredient, unsustainable and contributes to overfishing of wild populations.
● Cultivated in a closed recirculating culture system with a higher risk of mass death due to the crowded conditions necessary for profitability and adverse environmental impacts from excessive energy use.
In 2021, Mercy in World Farming has already published a report, Intensive octopus farming: a recipe for disasterIt is argued that the breeding of these animals is brutal and will cause significant environmental damage to marine ecosystems. According to the report, experimental experiments to breed octopus show that: in these systems the mortality rate will be about 20%, meaning that 1 in 5 people will not survive the entire production cycle.
While the canary farm will be the world’s first industrial octopus farm if approved, there are attempts to establish similar octopus farms in other parts of the world, such as Mexico and Japan.
Breeding Banned in Washington
But there are countries where such breeding is already prohibited. in February, Washington State (USA) has announced an initiative to ban octopus farming. This decision comes after the Hawaii-based Kanaloa Octopus Farm, the only active octopus farm in the United States, was recently shut down, precisely in response to Compassion in World Farming’s campaign.
In addition, these organizations They demand that the EU not use public funds to support the development of octopus farming, In light of “significant and growing scientific evidence that this type of production system is destroying our planet,” as well as all other forms of industrial and intensive livestock farming.
Elena Lara, Head of Research at Compassion in World Farming and author of the report, said: “We urge the Canary Islands authorities to reject Nueva Pescanova’s plans” and we urge the EU to ban octopus farming as part of current legislative review. This farm will cause unnecessary suffering to these fascinating and intelligent animals who need to explore and interact with their environment as part of their natural behaviour.”
He also warned of the impact on the environment: “Carnivorous diets require enormous amounts of animal protein, which contributes to overfishing. at a time when fish stocks are already under great pressure. Intensive and industrial livestock systems are the biggest cause of animal cruelty and are literally destroying our planet. We must end factory farming, not find new species to be confined to factory farms. We must end octopus farming now.”
In the last decades, Octopus has become an increasingly popular food, especially in Spain. As a result, the number of wild octopuses is decreasing.. In 2015, the number of specimens caught worldwide reached a maximum of 400,000 tons, 10 times more than in 1950.
The company says the octopuses won’t be harmed
on his behalf New Pescanova He told this newspaper: “Our priority is to ensure animal welfare by applying the conditions of wild species to the farming process. Recent research conducted by staff of the Pescanova Biomarine Center and collaborators specializing in octopus (IEO, CSIC, balsa) ensure optimum growth/feeding conditions (light, temperature) of octopuses. , salinity, etc.) and providing an adequate diet for each stage, showing normal adaptation to group habitats without territorial intrusions”.
with regard to criticism of the existence of constant light“This is not true; the light conditions developed at each stage of the octopus’s life cycle are optimal to support well-being conditions while avoiding any kind of stress.” “on the subject high densities“Depending on the stage in their life cycle, octopuses will live in ponds of different sizes, designed to provide the optimal conditions they need at each stage of their life,” he adds.
“In terms of sacrifice“Although it may sound striking to audiences unfamiliar with the industry, the technique in question is the most widely applied option in the industry and is definitely the option that aims to get rid of all kinds of grievances.”
Finally, Nueva Pescanova assures that “the octopus farming project is consistent with FAO’s goal of increasing world aquaculture growth by between 35% and 40% to sustainably feed the world population.”
Full report: https://www.ciwf.org/media/7453373/la_terrible_realidad_de_la_cria_del_pulpo_al_descubierto_ciwf_eurogroup_2023.pdf
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Contact address of the environment department: crizclimatica@prensaiberica.es
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.