Octopus farms should be banned before they open in state

Our state House of Representatives should overwhelmingly pass House Bill 1153, first-of-its-kind- globally legislation that would preemptively prohibit the operation of octopus farms in Washington. Sadly, despite the amazing abilities, fantastic beauty and sentience of octopuses that many of us have experienced scuba diving or in watching the documentary “My Octopus Teacher,” there is a burgeoning global industry for farmed octopuses.

Luxury consumer demand for octopus meat has led to the development of plans and/or research in countries ranging from Spain to Australia, and Portugal to the U.S. and Mexico, to farm these awesome creatures. Cramming thousands upon thousands of often-solitary creatures who roam wide areas in aquatic settings into barren facilities is cruel and barbaric and has no place in Washington.

Let’s make Washington a more compassionate and kind place for all, and stop this industry here before it starts. Vote for HB 1153 by the Feb. 13 deadline!

Josh Diamond

Seattle