Why did Newsom sign an octopus farming ban in California? Here's why
On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom enacted a new law that prohibits the farming of octopuses and the sale of octopuses raised on farms.
Under the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act, or AB 3162, introduced by Assemblymember Steve Bennett, who represents the 38th District, including Oxnard, Ventura, and the Channel Islands, it is now against the law for anyone to farm octopuses intended for human consumption.
The new legislation prohibits business owners or operators from intentionally selling octopuses sourced from octopus farms.
While octopuses might not typically be included in the dining choices of most Californians, advocates of AB 3162 contend that as the demand for these creatures as food has surged over the past five decades, there’s also an increasing focus on creating octopus farming practices.
The recently introduced legislation to prohibit octopus farming was primarily suggested for two reasons: the inhumane treatment of octopuses, recognized for their significant intelligence, and worries about the impact on the environment.
“Octopuses are some of the smartest and most sophisticated creatures on our planet. Raising them in captivity is not only cruel but also presents serious threats to the environment,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman, the bill's sponsor, during a discussion with an animal advocacy organization. “Instead of relying on questionable farming techniques to breed and kill octopuses, we ought to focus on safeguarding our ocean ecosystems so that marine species can thrive once again.”
Currently, there is no significant octopus farming or harvesting taking place in California. However, advocates believe that this legislation would be a positive move for animal welfare, positioning California as the second state in the U.S. to prohibit octopus aquaculture.
According to the bill's author, octopus farming can have negative effects on the environment. Aquaculture operations may cause nitrogen and phosphorus to run off into nearby waters, resulting in pollution and potentially harmful algal blooms that could seriously damage California's marine ecosystems.
The new legislation permits octopus fishing in state waters with a valid permit, provided that the daily catch does not go over 35 octopuses.
Although there were no objections to the legislation, several environmental organizations expressed their backing for it.
The new legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
