Chile’s Pioneering Legislation to Ban Octopus Farming
Comprehensive Bill Introduced to Safeguard Marine Ecosystems
Chile has taken a groundbreaking step as the first country in Latin America to propose a nationwide ban on octopus farming. The recently introduced Bill 17913-12, championed by Representative Marisela Santibáñez alongside seven other congressional representatives, now heads to the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for in-depth discussion.
Urgency Behind the Bill
This legislation aims to prohibit the intensive farming of octopuses in light of significant environmental concerns. The local organization Fundación Veg played a pivotal role in crafting this bill, with technical support from the Aquatic Life Institute. Both organizations are integral members of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, which comprises over 180 entities dedicated to enhancing the welfare of aquatic species within our food systems.
The necessity for this bill is underscored by the expanding interest in octopus farming in countries like Mexico and Spain. There are growing concerns regarding potential breaches of animal welfare principles, sustainable development objectives, and species conservation standards. Furthermore, experts warn that this rapidly expanding industry could inflict irreversible harm on the environment and public health.
Global Momentum Against Octopus Farming
The bill draws on precedents set in the United States, where states like California and Washington have enacted similar laws. Additionally, pending legislation exists in states such as New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, alongside the federal OCTOPUS Act (S.4810). The Aquatic Life Institute emphasizes that Chile’s introduction of this bill marks a significant global shift toward banning octopus farming.
Protecting Animal Welfare and Ecosystems
If ratified, Bill 17913-12 would protect octopuses from cruel farming practices and position Chile as a leader in both animal welfare and environmental protection. Catalina Lopez, a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian and Director of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, stated, “Chile is rich in marine biodiversity, and we cannot ignore the lessons of other countries where intensive aquaculture has inflicted serious damage. Farming solitary, carnivorous animals like octopuses is at odds with sustainability and scientific evidence concerning potential harms.”
The implications of octopus farming extend beyond ethical concerns; these carnivorous creatures depend on diets high in marine ingredients, placing additional stress on already dwindling wild fish populations. Moreover, the overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has been linked to the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which could spill over into human populations. Research has shown that octopuses are highly intelligent beings, suffering intensely in captivity due to their solitary and curious nature. Many scientists have voiced serious doubts regarding the viability of intensive octopus farming, noting that the conditions associated with such practices lead to significant stress and abnormal behaviors in these animals.
Chilean Initiative as a Model for Others
Ignacia Uribe, founder and CEO of Fundación Veg, remarked, “Chile has a unique opportunity to proactively prevent the emergence of an industry that has been globally deemed unsustainable and harmful to the environment. Scientific evidence unequivocally shows that octopuses are intelligent and complex animals whose needs cannot be adequately met in captivity.”
This landmark legislation sends a strong message that the time for decisive action to guard our environment is now. The Aquatic Life Institute has collaborated with the RSPCA and Friend of the Sea to issue statements prohibiting the certification of any form of octopus or cephalopod farming, recognizing the impossibility of ensuring high welfare conditions for these animals due to their behavioral needs, sentience, and strictly carnivorous diets.
About Aquatic Life Institute
The Aquatic Life Institute is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the welfare of aquatic animals within aquaculture and wild capture fisheries. By collaborating with certifiers, nonprofits, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public, the organization seeks to improve the welfare of aquatic animals.
