Octopus cognition research has revealed extraordinary intelligence that strengthens the moral case for their welfare consideration in fishing, research, and aquaculture.
The cognitive sophistication of octopuses means their welfare interests are substantial. Individual problem-solving styles, apparent curiosity and exploration behaviour, and complex social signalling indicate rich subjective experience. Commercial fishing of octopuses rarely considers their welfare — they die by asphyxiation or chilling. The proposed industrial farming of octopuses (banned in some jurisdictions) would confine highly intelligent individuals in environments incompatible with their needs. Research using octopuses must meet ethical standards that recognise their complexity.