Psychologist Jennifer Mather has noted octopuses having a controlling mind, motivated to gather information. What does having the mind of a skilled learner mean for octopus moral standing? Octopuses should not be farmed.
Octopus farming is in an experimental phase and supported by various countries. Farmed octopus relies on government subsidies, and is destined for luxury markets. The mass production of octopuses is unethical because of concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts, and issues of equality.
Philosopher of science Peter Godfrey-Smith has pointed out, octopuses are similar to humans in a variety of ways: we both rely on visual cues, feel pain, have complex nervous systems, are mobile, and have a recognizable, inquisitive intelligence. But octopuses are also remarkably different, with no hard body parts, a decentralized nervous system, and the ability to sense light and color with their whole body. We should not create industrial octopus farms.