Octopuses are some of the most intelligent animals in our oceans. [1] Their advanced brains have been shown to utilize complex problem-solving skills — solving puzzles, toddler-proofing areas, and consistently escaping captivity in aquariums. But these sentient beings are facing the threat of industrial farming. [2]
Despite scientists' consensus that octopuses are sentient, intelligent, and feeling, commercial octopus farmers want to farm them by the tons. [3] Their typical habitat of expansive oceans would be reduced to confinement and extreme stress in crowded tanks, where they are raised for food. [4]
An octopus farm opened in 2015 in Hawaii but closed in 2023, only because of issues with permits. [5] That means that unless we act now, there is nothing stopping a commercial octopus farm from opening in the United States.
But there is hope. Currently, in the US Senate, a bipartisan bill has been introduced to prevent octopus farming from ever happening in the US. The Opposing the Cultivation and Trade of Octopus Produced through Unethical Strategies (OCTOPUS) Act, introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), may be the best chance these clever cephalopods have at lasting protection from cruel intensive farming. [6]
A preventative measure like this will ensure that this cruel industry — including the importation of farmed octopuses — never emerges in America. Take action and tell your senators to support the OCTOPUS Act.
This isn’t just about stopping commercial octopus farming. It’s about shifting toward a food future that doesn’t come at the cost of ecosystems and sentient life. Protecting octopuses from cruel industrial farming must go hand in hand with investment in sustainable, humane alternatives, such as cultivated seafood. You can count on WePlanet to keep up that fight, today and in the years to come.
References:
[1] Chappell, B. (2024, February 7). Octopuses are clever. Their fans aren’t happy with a plan to farm them for food. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/07/1229233837/octopus-farm-spain-controversy
[2] Cabico, G. (2025, June 24). Octopus Farming in the U.S. Doesn’t Exist, and a New Bill Wants to Keep It That Way. Sentient. https://sentientmedia.org/octopus-farming-in-the-u-s-doesnt-exist
[3] Lobsters, octopus and crabs recognised as sentient beings. (2021, November 19). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lobsters-octopus-and-crabs-recognised-as-sentient-beings
[4] Marshall, C. (2023, March 16). World’s first octopus farm proposals alarm scientists. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-64814781
[5] DeMasters, T. (2023, August 26). Big Island Now. | Kanaloa Octopus Farm No Longer Operating out of Hawai‘i Ocean Science Technology Park. https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/26/kanaloa-octopus-farm-no-longer-operating-out-of-hawaii-ocean-science-technology-park/
[6] S.1947 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): OCTOPUS Act of 2025. (2025). Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1947