California has enacted a bill that bans octopus farming both on land and in water, while also prohibiting the sale of farmed octopus products within the state.
This legislation, known as the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act, was signed into law on Sept. 27 and marks the second law of its kind globally.
Co-authored by Assemblymembers Steve Bennett (D-38) and Laura Friedman (D-44), the OCTO Act addresses various ethical and environmental concerns associated with octopus farming. The bill received unanimous approval from the California Senate in August, reflecting growing awareness of animal welfare and environmental protection issues.