The bill, referred to as Opposing the Cultivation and Trade of Octopus Produced through Unethical Strategies Act of 2024 or the OCTOPUS Act of 2024, prohibits any authorization of commercial octopus aquaculture operations in the United States and its exclusive economic zone. The bill also prohibits the importation into the United States—or the re-exportation—of commercially-aqua-cultured octopus, including any living or dead specimens, parts, or derivatives, or any product containing specimens, parts, or derivatives of such octopus.
“Octopuses are among the most intelligent creatures in the oceans. And they belong at sea, not suffering on a factory farm. My bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowski would preemptively prevent US companies from participating in this brutal practice before it takes root,” said Senator Whitehouse.
If enacted, the OCTOPUS Act would preemptively safeguard octopuses from inhumane farming practices and position the US as a global frontrunner in animal welfare and environmental protection.
