Bill
Bill > A1537
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 will not be allowed to sell, possess, or transport octopuses that were raised through aquaculture, which is defined as the same as in a previous law (P.L.1997, c.236). The bill specifically excludes octopuses caught in the wild or those raised solely for research purposes unrelated to commercial production. Violators of these provisions will face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each day the violation continues, with the Secretary of Agriculture empowered to enforce these rules and regulations. This legislation is being introduced due to ethical and environmental concerns surrounding octopus farming, including the animals' complex cognitive abilities, potential for stress and suffering in confinement, and the high demand for wild-caught fish to feed farmed octopuses, which can deplete marine resources and disrupt ecosystems.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (11)
Clinton Calabrese (D)*,
Cody Miller (D)*,
Alexander Schnall (D)*,
Robert Clifton (R),
Margie Donlon (D),
Dan Hutchison (D),
Melinda Kane (D),
Jim Kennedy (D),
Luanne Peterpaul (D),
Balvir Singh (D),
Lisa Swain (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1537 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1537_I1.HTM |
Loading...