Bill > SB1159

This bill prohibits octopus aquaculture in Hawaii, based on concerns about disease transmission to marine environments and ethical considerations regarding octopus welfare. The legislation specifically bans the propagation, cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of octopuses for human consumption, with exceptions for wild-caught octopuses and those used for research purposes. The bill defines "aquaculture activities" to include land-based recirculating aquaculture systems, and stems from legislative findings that octopus farming can spread pathogens like coccidial parasites, ichthyobodo protozoa, and vibrio bacterial infections, which could potentially destabilize marine ecosystems and impact commercial fishing. Additionally, the legislature expresses ethical concerns about the advanced cognitive abilities of octopuses and the potential stress and harm caused by farming practices. The new law would apply to all octopus aquaculture activities in the state, with the act taking effect upon its approval and not impacting any existing rights, penalties, or proceedings that were already in progress before its implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1159&year=2026