The proposed construction of the world’s first octopus factory farm by multinational corporation Pescanova has sparked a global outcry, with activists and environmentalists raising concerns about animal welfare and the ecological consequences of non-vegan diets. The farm, planned for Spain’s Canary Islands, would confine and breed millions of octopuses for human consumption.
The Unique Intelligence of Octopuses
Octopuses are renowned for their extraordinary intelligence and unique physiology. With three hearts and a decentralized nervous system, these cephalopods demonstrate advanced problem-solving abilities, the capacity to experience pain, and even individual personalities. Research has shown octopuses can navigate mazes, recognize humans, and use tools – traits often associated with higher-order consciousness.
These findings have fueled ethical debates surrounding their farming. Hoshimi Sakai, an animator for the Plant Based Treaty, highlights the emotional and cognitive richness of octopuses in a newly released animation opposing octopus farming, narrated by Peter Egan. “The octopus in our story gives three heart-shaped stones to symbolize the 3 Rs of the Plant Based Treaty: Redirect, Relinquish, and Restore. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life,” Sakai explained.
The Environmental Costs of Non-Vegan Diets
In addition to ethical concerns, octopus farming poses significant environmental risks. Octopuses are carnivorous, requiring vast quantities of fish for feed. This could exacerbate overfishing, which has already decimated global fish stocks, disrupted marine ecosystems, and accelerated ocean biodiversity loss. Critics argue that farming octopuses in tanks not only fails to address the inefficiency of animal-based food systems but also introduces new risks of pollution and waste.
Activism Against Octopus Farming
Plant Based Treaty, an initiative advocating for plant-based solutions to climate change, has launched a global campaign to stop Pescanova’s project. Their petition to halt octopus farming has garnered over 140,000 signatures, and they have mobilized environmental scientists to challenge Pescanova’s planning application. Demonstrations outside Spanish embassies worldwide have also called attention to the issue.
The campaign is inspired by Greenpeace’s A Monster in My Kitchen and includes references to literary works such as Leo Tolstoy’s Esarhaddon, King of Assyria, emphasizing the moral and spiritual harm of exploiting other beings.
The Broader Call to Action
Advocates of the Plant Based Treaty urge individuals to rethink dietary choices as a way to address the climate crisis. By transitioning to plant-based diets, humans can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate pressure on marine ecosystems, and protect intelligent creatures like octopuses.
Supporters are encouraged to join the movement by signing the petition, sharing the animation, and donating to the campaign. Donations made by the end of 2025 will be matched by a generous donor, amplifying the impact of contributions toward safeguarding these remarkable animals and fostering sustainable food systems.
For more information and to watch the animation, visit Plant Based Treaty.
A reminder that no one is free until the animals are free, speciesism is the root of all oppression, and all beings deserve dignity and freedom. If you are already vegan, you can also look into how to optimise your communication as a vegan with Food Yoga International‘s Vegan Advocacy offering, and Beyond Carnism‘s efficient advocacy programme. If you aren’t vegan yet, you can look into transitioning with Challenge 22, and read Manifesting A Vegan Future with NEO 10Y for a wider philosophical perspective on the power of love energy.