Commercial octopus farming is being developed by several companies, raising serious welfare concerns given octopus cognitive sophistication and solitary, territorial nature.
Octopus farming sits at the intersection of multiple welfare concerns: a highly sentient species, incompatible social behaviour forced into group housing, complex environmental needs that cannot be met in tanks, and no demonstrated humane killing method. Unlike fish aquaculture where welfare improvements can be made within existing systems, octopus farming may be fundamentally incompatible with acceptable welfare standards for this species. Several prominent welfare scientists have called for a moratorium on commercial octopus farming development until these questions can be resolved. Consumer awareness of these concerns can influence whether markets for farmed octopus develop.