Colombia Introduces Bill To Ban Intensive Octopus, Squid & Cuttlefish Farming
Colombia has introduced legislation that would prohibit the intensive farming of cephalopods, including octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish, for food. The proposal would also ban imports of products originating from intensive cephalopod farms outside the country.
Senate Bill 008 of 2026 was filed on July 20 and published in Colombia’s Congressional Gazette on August 11. According to the official bill summary, the proposal seeks to protect cephalopods in response to concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts, and public health. The measure remains under consideration and has not become law.
The bill was introduced by Senator Yuly Esmeralda Hernández Silva. Aquatic Life Institute (ALI) says Colombia’s Plataforma ALTO supported the initiative locally, while ALI and the Aquatic Animal Alliance contributed technical information and proposed legislative language.
“As more and more countries in Latin America are taking action for octopuses, it shows growing local recognition that this harmful industry has no place in a sustainable future,” Aquatic Life Institute stated.
Aquatic Life Institute is a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on aquatic animal welfare. The organization has supported efforts in several countries aimed at preventing commercial octopus farming.
ALI has raised concerns about whether the behavioral and physical needs of octopuses could be adequately met in intensive farming systems. The organization warns that intensive confinement can compromise their welfare, increasing risks of severe stress, aggression between animals, and cannibalism. ALI also says no slaughter method for octopuses has been formally approved as humane.
Because octopuses are carnivorous, farming them would also require feed derived from other aquatic animals. ALI warns that commercial-scale production could increase pressure on wild fish populations while producing nitrogen and phosphorus waste and other contaminants associated with intensive aquaculture.
Colombia is part of a broader movement in Latin America seeking to address octopus farming before the industry becomes established on a large scale. Chile introduced legislation to prohibit intensive octopus farming in October 2025, followed by Mexico with federal legislation in February 2026.
If approved, Colombia’s proposal would prohibit intensive farming of octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish while also banning imports of products originating from intensive cephalopod farms overseas.
