Colombia introduces legislation to ban octopus farming. The bill continues the momentum to banning octopus farming in Latin America

Colombia has joined the growing number of countries in Latin America to introduce legislation to ban octopus farming nationwide, after Chile and Mexico. A bill that was recently introduced by Senator Esmeralda Hernandéz Silva would prohibit the intensive farming of cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, in the national territory for food purposes, as well as ban the importation of products from intensive cephalopod farming operations abroad. The bill is being supported by local Colombian organization PlataformaALTO, with additional support, technical information, and draft language provided by Aquatic Life Institute. Both organisations are part of the Aquatic Animal Alliance, a global coalition of over 179 organizations working to improve the welfare of aquatic animals in the food system.

The bill details why a ban on octopus farming is a matter of urgency in Colombia, as it would help safeguard animal welfare, protect marine ecosystems, mitigate public health risks, and ensure food security for coastal communities. Because there are currently no intensive cephalopod farms for food purposes in the national territory, the bill confirms that no mitigation measures are required for possible economic impacts on the industry. However, the urgency comes from the desire to pre-emptively ban this practice, as octopus farming ventures are being explored in Mexico and Spain, and the evidence so far suggests potential violations of animal welfare principles, sustainable development goals, and species conservation standards, as well as the concern that their expansion could lead to irreversible negative impacts on the environment and public health.

The bill cites similar legislation in the United States, including formal laws in California and Washington, as well as bills underway in Chile, Mexico, New York, Hawaii, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and at the federal level with the OCTOPUS Act (S.4810). Aquatic Life Institute, which played a central role in supporting each of these legislations, believes that the introduction of this bill in Colombia signifies the global momentum to ban the practice of octopus farming is rapidly increasing, as the detrimental effects it would have on the environment, public health, local communities, and animal welfare are becoming more widely known.

If enacted, the bill would safeguard octopuses from inhumane farming practices and position Colombia as a global frontrunner in animal welfare and environmental protection.

“Colombia has shown leadership in recognising animals as sentient beings and advancing progressive animal welfare protections. Prohibiting octopus farming is a natural and necessary step to uphold these principles. As a country rich in marine biodiversity and coastal communities who depend on healthy oceans, we cannot ignore the lessons from other nations where intensive aquaculture has brought serious harm. Farming solitary and carnivorous animals like octopuses in confinement is incompatible with the values of sustainability and the scientific evidence of potential harms. This bill reflects Colombia’s commitment to protecting both animals and our marine ecosystems for future generations”, said Catalina Lopez, Veterinarian and Director of the Aquatic Animal Alliance.

The environmental, welfare, and public health implications of octopus farming are manifold. These carnivorous animals require diets rich in marine ingredients, exacerbating the pressure on already declining wild fish populations and undermining global sustainable development goals. The overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has been linked to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, with potential spill-over effects into human populations. As widely documented, octopuses are highly intelligent and complex animals that suffer greatly in captivity due to their solitary and inquisitive nature. Several scientists have raised significant concerns about the practice of octopus farming, as conditions of intensive farming and extreme confinement are inherently unsuitable for their well-being, leading to stress, aggression, and unnatural behaviours such as cannibalism.  Furthermore, there are no approved humane slaughter methods for these animals. For additional research and information, please refer to ALI’s campaign page.

This significant legislation amplifies the message that the time to act, and the time to protect our environment, is now. In addition, ALI has worked with six seafood certifiers to produce statements prohibiting the certification of any form of octopus/cephalopod farming. These certifiers have recognised the necessity of banning octopus farming before it starts, acknowledging that it is impossible to guarantee high welfare conditions for this species due to its behavioural needs, sentience, and strictly carnivorous diet.

About the Aquatic Animal Alliance

Founded by the Aquatic Life Institute (ALI), the Aquatic Animal Alliance is a coalition of more than 190 advocacy organisations across 75 countries dedicated to improving the welfare of aquatic animals within the global food system. ALI is an international non-profit organisation that works on advancing aquatic animal welfare in both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries globally. They work with certifiers, non-profits, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public to improve the welfare of aquatic animals.

Image by Cornell Frühauf from Pixabay