World’s first octopus farm stirs ethical debate

MADRID, February 23rd, (Reuters) – A Spanish company plans to open its first commercial octopus farm next spring, spurred by a high demand for seafood. However, scientists are warning that it could prove to be an environmental and ethical disaster as they continue to learn more about these mysterious animals.

Roberto Romero (aquaculture director at Nueva Pescanova), said that this is a landmark in global aquaculture. The company has invested 65 million euros ($74million) into the farm. This is subject to environmental approval by local authorities.

Many octopuses quietly moved around an indoor tank at the company’s Galicia research center in northwest Spain.

Two technicians working in waders gathered a mature specimen and placed it in a bucket. The bucket was then transferred to a new enclosure with five other Octopuses.

Nueva Pescanova, based on decades of academic research beat rivals in Mexico and Japan to create the conditions for industrial-scale breeding.

Clear are the commercial incentives for the farm. It is expected to produce 3,000 tons per year by 2026 for domestic or international food chains. It will also generate hundreds of jobs in Gran Canaria.

According to data from U.N. Food and Agricultural Organisation (UNFAO), the global octopus trade grew to $2.72 Billion from $1.30 Billion between 2010 and 2019, while landings only grew by 9% to 380,000 tonnes.

CONCERNS RELATED TO WELFARE

However, previous attempts at farming octopus failed to meet their mortality targets. While wild-caught octopus breeding efforts have had success, they are more prone to aggression, cannibalism, self-mutilation, and other problems.

David Chavarrias (the centre’s director) said that optimising tank conditions allowed for the company to eliminate aggression, and allow the company to breed five generations in captivity.

He stated, “We haven’t found cannibalistic behavior in any of our culture.”

But not everyone is convinced.

Since 2020’s documentary “My Octopus Teacher”, which featured a story about a filmmaker’s friendship, with an octopus, public concern has grown for their well-being.

The London School of Economics researchers concluded last year that octopus are sentient beings capable of experiencing distress or happiness. They also concluded that high-welfare agriculture would not be possible.

Raul Garcia, the head of the WWF’s Spanish fisheries operations, agrees.

“Octopuses have a high intelligence and are very curious. He said to Reuters that octopuses don’t like being held captive and that they are unhappy.

Any farming operation that aims for high quality of life and solitary living on the seabed, would be unlikely to be financially viable.

European Union laws regarding livestock welfare do not apply invertebrates. Spain is improving its animal protection legislation, but octopuses are not expected to be included.

Nueva Pescanova does not give details about tank sizes, density, feed, or other information, citing trade secret. It stated that the animals are monitored constantly to ensure their well-being.

Chavarrias stated that more research is needed to determine if octopus are truly intelligent.

He said, “We like to think that it is more than an intelligent creature, it’s a responsive creature.” “It has a certain ability for resolve when faced by survival challenges.”

SUSTAINABLE?

Despite growing concern about animal rights and rising demand, demand is still strong, with Spain, Italy, Korea, Japan, Japan and Japan leading the charge. Natural fishing grounds are feeling it.

“If we want continue to consume octopus, we have to search for an alternative… because the fisheries already reach their limit,” Eduardo Almansa of Spain’s Oceanography Institute said. He developed the technology used to create Nueva Pescanova.

“Aquaculture is currently the only viable option.”

The farmed seafood makes up half of the seafood we eat. The industry has always been seen as a way of satisfying consumer demand while reducing pressure on fishing waters. But ecologists argue that this hides its true environmental cost.

The WWF stated that around a third of global fish catch is used for feeding other animals. Rising demand for fishmeal for aquaculture is increasing stress on already depleted stocks.

Chavarrias of Nueva Pescanova said that he recognized the concern about sustainability and stressed that the company was investigating the use waste fish products and alga as alternative feed, but it was too early for discussion.

Some activists suggest a simpler solution: don’t eat Octopus.

Carys Bennett from PETA, an animal rights group, said that “there are so many wonderful vegan options out there now.” “We are asking everyone to protest against this farm.”

The Canary Islands’ environmental department is currently reviewing the project.

When asked if the department would consider opposition form rights-groups, a spokesperson replied that “all necessary parameters would be considered”.

Traditional octopus fishermen are also concerned about the venture. They fear it could lead to lower prices and erode their reputation as quality producers.

Pedro Luis Cervino Fernandez (49), leaves Murgados, Galicia, every morning at 5 a.m. to search for octopus. He fears he won’t be able compete with industrial agriculture.

He said that big companies only want to protect their bottom lines, but they don’t care about small businesses like us.” He spoke to Reuters from his small boat off the Galician coast.

La Casa Gallega is located a few hundred miles inland. This Madrid restaurant specializes in pulpo al gallega – seared Octopus with boiled potatoes, lots of paprika and many other dishes. The staff was not impressed by the idea of farmed produce.

Claudio Gandara, head of waiter Claudio Gandara said that he doesn’t believe it will ever be capable of competing with Galician octopus. “It’ll be like other farmed salmon… the quality will never be the same.”

Borja Suarez, Guillermo Martinez in the Canary Islands and Nacho Doce In Galicia, Michael Gore and Silvio Castellanos in Galicia. Juan Medina. Nathan Allen in Madrid. Writing by Nathan Allen. Editing by Alison Williams

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