Sacramento, California: In a landmark move for animal welfare, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan bill on Friday that makes it illegal to farm octopuses for human consumption within California. The new law prohibits both the raising of octopuses in state waters and aquaculture facilities, as well as the sale of farm-raised octopuses, regardless of their origin.
The legislation highlights the advanced intelligence and sensitivity of octopuses, recognizing them as conscious, sentient creatures capable of feeling pain, stress, fear, and even forming social bonds. The bill notes research that has shown octopuses possess long-term memory and the ability to distinguish between individual humans. In one notable study conducted at the Seattle Aquarium, eight giant Pacific octopuses were introduced to two different people — one who provided food and another who scratched them with a bristly stick. By the end of two weeks, the octopuses had clearly learned to avoid the person with the stick while welcoming the feeder.
Advocates of the law argue that farming octopuses for food is both inhumane and environmentally unsustainable. They cite growing research indicating that octopus aquaculture is cruel and inefficient, positioning California as a national leader in ethical aquaculture practices. California becomes the second state, after Washington, to enact such a ban. Similar bills are under consideration at the federal level and in Hawaii.
“California often sets the standard for the rest of the country,” said Jennifer Jacquet, a professor of environmental science and policy at the University of Miami. “This legislation reflects the growing consensus that Americans want to preserve octopuses in the wild.”
Source: Los Angeles Times