An octopus processing plant in O Carballiño, Galicia, Spain, now sources all its octopuses from Mauritania and Morocco due to a shortage in local waters over the past decade. The town, called Spain’s “octopus capital,” is known for its annual festival, traditional restaurants, and long seafood history. However, a decline in wild populations, made worse by high international demand, led to the closure of Galicia’s octopus fishery for three months in the summer. Experts link these declines to overfishing and climate change, which affect nutrient-rich upwelling that octopuses need to survive. The Spanish National Research Council reported that weaker upwelling reduces food supply, lowering numbers even when fishing is limited.

To address the shortage, companies are testing octopus farming. Nueva Pescanova is building a large industrial farm that could produce up to one million octopuses each year, while Grupo Profand operates a research hatchery to solve breeding challenges. Supporters say farming could improve food security and reduce pressure on wild populations because octopuses grow quickly and use energy efficiently. However, animal welfare groups argue that the practice is inhumane, noting the species’ intelligence and solitary behavior. They also warn of pollution and overfishing of small fish for feed. Several U.S. states, including Washington and California, have banned octopus farming and sales. Experts remain divided between promoting low-impact aquaculture and accepting octopus farming as an inevitable industry that requires strict best practices.