A new initiative opposing a proposed octopus farming project in the Canary Islands has drawn sharp criticism from experts and protection groups. Organizations such as Compassion in World Farming, Greenpeace Spain, Eurogroup for Animals, Oceana UK, and noted scholars have joined a formal appeal to the Canary Islands Government urging rejection of the Nueva company’s application. Pescanova plans to establish an octopus farm at Las Palmas Port. The letter argues that granting permission would subject animals to cruelty and could harm local ecosystems, communities, and tourism.
In 2021, Compassion in World Farming published a report titled Intensive octopus farming: A recipe for disaster. It highlighted octopuses’ distinctive biology, noting they are naturally solitary and not suited to high-density confinement, where aggression and cannibalism can occur.
In March 2023, the NGO released a second report with Eurogroup for Animals, The scary truth of octopus farming revealed, which reviewed the proposed plans to raise about one million octopuses annually, producing around 3,000 tons. The document confirmed NGOs’ concerns and cited worrying practices, including the use of ice water for slaughter.
Countries and cities question octopus farming
Over the past few years, international opposition to octopus farming has grown. Several NGOs, animal welfare experts, environmentalists, conservationists, and policymakers have voiced disapproval of keeping such intelligent and sensitive creatures in farms.
Octopus in captivity
Washington State has seen a bill proposed to ban octopus farming in the United States. The United Kingdom recognizes cephalopods as legally sentient beings. Authorities in Hawaii have seen this industry shut down, and advocates have urged Canada to ban octopus farming.
Elena Lara, Research Director at Compassion in World Farming and author of both reports, said, World Octopus Day calls for recognizing these fascinating wild animals rather than pursuing profit-led intensive farming. The time has come to rethink industrial agriculture rather than expand it.
They belong in the oceans, not on farms. They are sensitive beings that feel pain and distress just like other animals. Breeding them for farming would be cruel, unsustainable, and harmful to the oceans. Feeding them wild fish in captivity could worsen overfishing and threaten food security in vulnerable communities worldwide, Lara added.
To amplify this message, supporters around the world will participate in an event and share their views. Coordinated action on social networks on World Octopus Day will address the Canary Islands Government under the banner of Stop Octopus Farming.
Earlier supporters expect thousands to join the protest this Sunday, sending a message to the Canary Islands Government using the hashtag StopOctopusFarming and tagging official channels on major social platforms.
In any case, the farm’s future remains uncertain, shaped not only by animal welfare concerns but also by practical hurdles that could force reconsideration of the project, as reported by Canarian media. Nueva Pescanova maintains that the initiative is proceeding and rejects the criticisms leveled by NGOs and experts.
The company defends the project
The company states that the priority is to safeguard animal welfare by aligning breeding conditions with the species in the wild. Recent studies by the Pescanova Biomarine Center and collaborating octopus researchers have indicated that octopuses can adapt to group living under carefully controlled conditions, with precise management of light, temperature, salinity, and diet to support growth.
Regarding criticisms about constant lighting, the company argues that the lighting systems are designed to promote welfare and minimize stress at all life stages. They note that, depending on the life stage, octopuses would reside in differently sized ponds to provide optimal conditions at each phase.
On the matter of harvesting methods, the organization explains that the described approach is a common industry practice aimed at avoiding complications and ensuring welfare throughout the life cycle.
Finally, Nueva Pescanova asserts that the octopus aquaculture project aligns with FAO objectives to promote sustainable growth in aquaculture by 35 to 40 percent to feed the global population responsibly.
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Environmental matters address: [redacted email address]