Bill
Bill > S1080
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption. In addition, this bill prohibits a business entity from selling, possessing, or transporting any species of octopus that is the result or product of aquaculture. Any violation of the bill's provisions would be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, and each day during which the violation continues would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. The practice of octopus aquaculture has raised ethical and environmental concerns due to the highly advanced cognitive abilities and complex behaviors exhibited by these animals. Octopus farming practices and conditions, including inadequate living environments and confinement, may subject octopus to significant stress and suffering, compromise their well-being, and lead to adverse behavioral changes. As carnivores, octopuses require a high-protein diet sourced from wild fish and shellfish which could substantially increase demand on marine resources, further depleting fish stocks and disrupting marine ecosystems. Additionally, octopus aquaculture poses further risks to the marine ecosystems due to the heightened potential for the spread of infectious pathogens, which may impact other marine species and ecosystems.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the farming of any octopus species for human consumption in New Jersey, meaning that businesses are also forbidden from selling, possessing, or transporting octopuses that were raised through aquaculture, which is defined as the cultivation of aquatic organisms. Violators face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each day the violation continues, with the potential for additional penalties reflecting any economic benefit gained from the illegal activity, and the Secretary of Agriculture is empowered to create rules to enforce these provisions. This legislation aims to address ethical concerns regarding the intelligence and well-being of octopuses in farming conditions, as well as environmental worries about the impact of their high-protein diet on wild fish stocks and the potential spread of diseases in marine ecosystems.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (7)
Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)*,
Douglas Steinhardt (R)*,
Vin Gopal (D),
Raj Mukherji (D),
Declan O'Scanlon (R),
Bob Smith (D),
Andrew Zwicker (D),
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1080 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1080_I1.HTM |
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