Latest news with #ethicalconcerns
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'This Feels Deeply Wrong': Scientists Reel in Horror as First Octopus Farm Ignites Global Outcry Over Ethics and Environmental Devastation
IN A NUTSHELL 🐙 Nueva Pescanova proposes the world's first octopus farm, raising ethical concerns over farming intelligent creatures. proposes the world's first octopus farm, raising ethical concerns over farming intelligent creatures. ⚖️ The proposed ice slurry killing method is criticized as inhumane , sparking global protests and legislative actions. , sparking global protests and legislative actions. 🌍 Environmental impact concerns arise as octopuses require significant fish resources, contradicting conservation efforts. concerns arise as octopuses require significant fish resources, contradicting conservation efforts. 📚 Scientific insights into octopus intelligence challenge the moral implications of industrial farming practices. In recent years, the debate over the ethics of farming intelligent animals has intensified, with the proposed commercial octopus farm by Nueva Pescanova at the center of controversy. This Spanish seafood giant aims to transition from wild to farmed octopus to mitigate declining wild populations. However, the ethical implications of farming such cognitively advanced creatures have sparked a global debate. Scientists, legislators, and the public grapple with the moral and environmental consequences of this venture. This article explores the complex issues surrounding octopus farming, from ethical concerns and scientific insights to the legislative responses and environmental impact. The Cognitive Complexity of Octopuses Octopuses are renowned for their extraordinary intelligence, often compared to that of higher mammals. These cephalopods possess approximately 500 million neurons, enabling them to exhibit behaviors that suggest a high degree of cognitive sophistication. Remarkably, only a third of these neurons are located in their brains, with the rest distributed across their arms. This unique neural architecture allows each arm to function autonomously, equipping octopuses with the ability to solve puzzles, use tools, and learn through observation. Instances of octopus intelligence abound. In one notable case, an octopus named Otto at Germany's Sea Star Aquarium was observed squirting water at a spotlight to short out the facility's power, showcasing problem-solving abilities. Such feats, alongside behaviors like stacking rocks to build dens and unscrewing jar lids from the inside, highlight the profound intelligence of these creatures. This intrinsic intelligence is a key reason why the prospect of farming octopuses has sparked ethical concerns. Ethical Concerns and Animal Welfare The ethical debate surrounding octopus farming is deeply rooted in the creature's demonstrated sentience. A review by the London School of Economics found that octopuses can experience pleasure and pain, leading the UK government to include them in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. This act recognizes octopuses as the only invertebrates with such protection, underscoring the need for ethical treatment. Nueva Pescanova's proposed farming conditions have alarmed animal welfare advocates. The plan to house 10 to 15 octopuses per cubic meter contradicts their solitary nature, potentially provoking aggression and cannibalism. Moreover, the killing method using ice slurry is considered inhumane, as it causes prolonged suffering. Dr. Peter Tse, a neuroscientist, condemns this practice, arguing that such slow, painful deaths are unacceptable for creatures of advanced cognition. Global Backlash and Legislative Actions The response to Nueva Pescanova's plans has been swift and widespread. In Washington state, legislators have banned octopus farming, citing ethical and economic concerns. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced the OCTOPUS Act to prohibit octopus farming nationwide and block imports of farmed octopus. This legislation highlights a growing recognition of octopuses as intelligent, sentient beings that do not belong in commercial farms. Internationally, the backlash is gaining momentum. The European Union faces pressure to halt the Spanish facility, acknowledging the sentience of octopuses. Protests in Madrid reflect public opposition to what many view as a new frontier in animal cruelty. As awareness of octopus intelligence and suffering spreads, calls for ethical treatment and conservation resonate globally. Environmental Implications and Scientific Insights Nueva Pescanova argues that octopus farming could alleviate pressure on wild populations, but environmental and scientific concerns persist. As carnivores, octopuses require substantial amounts of fish to produce octopus meat, raising sustainability issues. Critics argue that farming predatory species exacerbates pressures on depleted fish stocks, contradicting conservation efforts. The scientific community also grapples with the moral dilemma of farming such intelligent beings. The documentary 'My Octopus Teacher' highlighted the emotional depth and trust-building capabilities of octopuses, challenging perceptions of these creatures. As we uncover the genetic markers of intelligence shared between humans and octopuses, we must consider whether to exploit this knowledge for industrial gains or foster a deeper understanding and appreciation. The controversy over the world's first octopus farm highlights a pivotal moment in our relationship with intelligent marine life. As scientific insights reveal the cognitive abilities of octopuses, the ethical and environmental implications of farming them become increasingly apparent. Legislative actions and public protests gain momentum, placing the future of octopus farming in the balance. Will humanity prioritize ethical treatment and conservation, or will commercial gains prevail? This question may shape our relationship with the natural world for generations to come. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.
Globe and Mail
16-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Trump family launches mobile phone service selling gold-coloured devices
The Trump family said it is licensing its name to a new mobile phone service, the latest in a string of ventures that have been announced while Donald Trump is in the White House despite ethical concerns that the U.S. President could mold public policy for personal gain. Eric Trump, one of President Donald Trump's sons running the Trump Organization, said the new venture, called Trump Mobile, will sell phones that will be built in the U.S., and the phone service will maintain a call centre in the country as well. The announcement of the new mobile phone and service, called T1 Mobile, follows several real estate deals for towers and resorts in the Middle East, including a golf development in Qatar announced in April. A US$1.5-billion partnership to build golf courses, hotels and real estate projects in Vietnam was approved last month, but the deal was in the works before Trump was elected. Trump's meme coin has racked up $320-million in fees as buyers jump at the chance for access to the U.S. President Even oversight of such a company, with the Trump name attached, raises ethical concerns. Trump has already used the federal government to reward his allies and punish his enemies. The Federal Communications Commission, the primary regulatory body overseeing mobile phone companies, has already launched investigations of media outlets Trump dislikes and, in some cases, is personally suing. Still, Eric Trump said Monday that consumers deserve a phone that aligns with their values. 'Hard-working Americans deserve a wireless service that's affordable, reflects their values, and delivers reliable quality they can count on,' he said in a statement. Trump criticized Apple last month because it planned to make most of its U.S. iPhones in India, and threatened to slap a 25 per cent tariff on the devices unless the tech giant starts building the product in its home country. The company on Monday said the new, gold-coloured phone available for US$499 in August, called the T1 Phone, won't be designed or made by Trump Mobile, but by another company. The Trump Organization did not respond immediately to a request for more details. A mock-up of the phone on the company's website showed Trump's slogan, 'Make America Great Again,' on the front and an etched American flag on the back. The service, which will cost US$47.45 a month, is partnering with existing cellular carriers with access to a 5G network. The Trump service will offer free texts and calls, and unlimited data. It will also offer free roadside assistance and a telehealth service that will allow callers to get prescriptions. The name given to the monthly service offer, The 47 Plan, also makes reference to the presidency. Trump was the 45th president and is currently the 47th. By sticking to licensing, the Trump family is limiting its risk. Still, the new service faces big challenges if it hopes sell beyond the President's loyal MAGA fans. The Trump company tried to tap into Trump support among the middle class in the first term with a mid-priced hotel chain. Called American Idea, and unveiled like the phone service Monday under a giant U.S. flag in the Trump Tower atrium, it flopped. Despite taking in millions of dollars each year in various licensing deals and a string of new ventures, the Trump brand has taken a series of hits to its brand over the years. During his first term, the Trump name was stripped off residential buildings and hotels in Toronto, Panama and Manhattan. After the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, banks refused to lend to the family business. The Trump International Hotel in Washington, since sold, lost money even though the family opened its doors to business executives, lobbyists and diplomats trying to shape U.S. policy. And the average condo in Trump branded residential towers has underperformed the broader market in several cities for years during and immediately after Trump's first term. In New York City, the value of Trump condos have fallen 2 per cent in the past two years even though prices for condos built during roughly the same period have jumped. Those indexes rose 8 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively, according to CityRealty. Can Carney be the Trump whisperer for a while? He has had more success with some ventures launched during his second term. Trump's media company also announced Monday that it had filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to launch a new exchange-traded fund tied to the prices of the two most popular forms of cryptocurrency. Trump Media & Technology Group, the Florida company which operates the Truth Social media platform that the President uses to communicate with his followers, said the planned ETF will have 75 per cent of its assets in bitcoin, the world's most popular cryptocurrency, and 25 per cent in ether, the second-most popular. The planned ETF is another branch in the Trump family's rapidly growing crypto empire, which includes a new stablecoin and launching and promoting meme coins. The President's most recent financial disclosure report shows that he made more than US$57-million last year from World Liberty Financial, a crypto company he and his sons helped launch in September.
