California lawmakers have approved a bill that would make it illegal to farm octopuses in state waters or on land, as well as to import them.

The bill, AB 3162, now sits on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature — or his veto.

Proponents of the bill say legislation is needed to position California as a leader in humane aquaculture. They point to a growing body of research showing that the eight-limbed creatures are self-aware and highly intelligent, and that turning them into food production materials is cruel, inefficient and detrimental to the environment.

Source: California is poised to ban octopus farming – Los Angeles Times