A balanced approach to the potential of octopus aquaculture

3 pages.-- Data availability: No new data were used for the research described in this communication

Octopus aquaculture has become a subject of debate. Some critics have expressed the opinion that it raises significant ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and poses ecological risks [1]. This opinion has led to the prohibition of octopus aquaculture in the states of California and Washington during 2024, and there is currently a bill before the US Senate proposing to ban it across the United States [2]. An alternative view is here expressed by researchers specializing in cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus) at 66 research institutions in 25 countries. In our opinion, a blanket ban disregards the potential benefits of octopus aquaculture, which is still at an experimental stage and could contribute to sustainable food systems and resource conservation if developed with robust scientific oversight. Concerns about the welfare and sustainability of animals raised as food for humans are important but both are being addressed proactively through scientific innovation, research and regulation [3], so outright prohibition of octopus aquaculture is unwarranted.

RV is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (ECOPHYN, PID2021-126824NB funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ERDF/EU”), and the Spanish government through the “Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence” accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)

With funding form the Spanish government through the "Severa Ochoa Centre of Excellence" accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S).

Peer reviewed