Victory! Washington State Has Banned Cruel Octopus Farming Following Governor Inslee’s Signature

Update: Washington state has officially banned octopus farming following Governor Jay Inslee’s signature on House Bill 1153 on March 13th.

This legislative action marks a significant milestone as it positions Washington to lead globally in banning the unethical and environmentally harmful practice of octopus farming, having garnered successful passage in both the State House and Senate.

March 4th: A new bill in Washington State will become the world’s first-ever legislation to ban the cruel and environmentally damaging practice of Octopus farming. House Bill 1153 thankfully passed the Senate last week with a 29-20 vote. The bill is now on Governor Jay Inslee’s desk to be signed into law.

The bill, that’s sponsored by Democratic Rep. Strom Peterson of Edmonds, passed the State’s House of Representatives on February 7th with a 70-27 vote. 

“Octopus farming leads to suffering and sickness for one of the more intelligent and feeling animals in our oceans,” said Rep. Peterson. “It can lead to huge environmental and ecological effects as well. Octopus farming is harmful to the animals and the environment and is unnecessary. It’s time to move on.” 

California and Hawaii have also introduced bills to ban octopus farming before it’s established within the states.

Compassion in World Farming’s U.S. Campaigns Manager, Allison Molinaro, testified in support of a ban during a hearing earlier last month.

“This is a monumental win for octopuses and the future of ethical food production,” said Compassion in World Farming‘s Senior Research Manager, Dr. Elena Lara. “We applaud the State of Washington for taking this decisive step to protect these intelligent and sensitive creatures from the detrimental impacts of commercial farming and we look forward to it being confirmed in law very soon.”

“It shows the growing global support that exists for a ban on octopus farming. We will also continue to do everything we can to stop the plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria. Octopuses are sentient, intelligent creatures that feel pain, suffering and distress, just like other animals. They belong in our oceans, not in farms,” continued Dr. Elena Lara.

The only known octopus farm in the United States was the Kanaloa Octopus Farm on Hawaii’s Big Island. Thankfully, it was permanently shut down in January after the farm was ordered to cease and desist nonpermitted operations.

Governor Inslee has three weeks to sign this important bill into law. The 60-day short session ends on March 7th.