CHILE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BAN OCTOPUS FARMING

Chile introduces legislation to ban octopus farming. The bill will be the first legislation dedicated to banning octopus farming in Latin America.

Chile has become the first country in Latin America to introduce legislation to ban octopus farming nationwide. Bill 17913-12 was introduced this week by Representative Marisela Santibáñez with support from 7 additional congress representatives, and now moves to the commission of environment and natural resources to be discussed. This bill would prohibit the intensive farming of octopuses, focusing on the potential harmful impacts that this industry could pose for the environment. The bill was introduced by local Chilean organisation Fundación Veg, 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 180 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 Chile, as it would help protect marine ecosystems, mitigate public health risks, and ensure food security for coastal communities. 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 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 Chile 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, Bill 17913-12 would safeguard octopuses from inhumane farming practices and position Chile as a global frontrunner in animal welfare and environmental protection.

“As a country rich in marine biodiversity and coastal communities who depend on healthy oceans, Chile 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 Chile’s commitment to protecting both animals and our marine ecosystems for future generations”, declared Catalina Lopez, Certified Aquatic 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.

“Chile has a unique opportunity to act in advance and prevent the development of an industry that has already proven globally to be unviable and environmentally unsustainable. At the same time, scientific evidence is clear: octopuses are highly intelligent animals with needs that cannot be met in captivity. Their industrial farming not only poses serious environmental and health risks but also represents an ethical setback that our country cannot allow,” said Ignacia Uribe, founder and CEO of Fundación Veg.

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 RSPCA, Friend of the Sea, and other seafood certifiers have produced 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 Aquatic Life Institute

Aquatic Life Institute is an international non-profit organisation that works on advancing aquatic animal welfare in both aquaculture and wild capture fisheries globally. The organisation works with certifiers, non=profits, academic institutions, industry stakeholders, governments, and the public to improve welfare of aquatic animals.