About the book
In 2021, the London School of Economics found that octopuses are sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain, distress, and happiness, and that high-welfare farming of them would therefore be impossible. But the enormous international demand for octopus meat continues to grow even as wild octopus populations decline, prompting a race to bring the first farm-raised product to market. At the same time, firestorms of protest in Europe and the United States over the ethics of farming such an intelligent creature are pressuring lawmakers to ban the practice altogether.
After working at one of the world’s first octopus farms, on the Yucatán Peninsula, award-winning journalist Richard Schweid embarked on a global adventure to explore the ethics and future of octopus aquaculture. He traveled to octopus-farming sites in Mexico, Spain, and Japan where he met people on both sides of the ethical debate: marine biologists, businesspeople, restaurateurs, animal rights advocates, octopus farmers, and everyday fishermen whose livelihoods depend on wild octopus. In this vibrant account of his experiences, Schweid also engages pressing related issues: environmental impact; the need for sustainable farming opportunities in underresourced communities; and how global desires for specific foods place pressure on local populations. Ultimately, the appetite for octopus demonstrates the conundrums of our interconnected world—across countries, through oceans, and via the food we consume.
Editions of Life on the Octopus Farm
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469696874
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469696881
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469686943
- PDF
- ISBN 9781469696898
Read an Excerpt
In 2021, the London School of Economics found that octopuses are sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain, distress, and happiness, and that high-welfare farming of them would therefore be impossible. But the enormous international demand for octopus meat continues to grow even as wild octopus populations decline, prompting a race to bring the first farm-raised product to market. At the same time, firestorms of protest in Europe and the United States over the ethics of farming such an intelligent creature are pressuring lawmakers to ban the practice altogether.
After working at one of the world’s first octopus farms, on the Yucatán Peninsula, award-winning journalist Richard Schweid embarked on a global adventure to explore the ethics and future of octopus aquaculture. He traveled to octopus-farming sites in Mexico, Spain, and Japan where he met people on both sides of the ethical debate: marine biologists, businesspeople, restaurateurs, animal rights advocates, octopus farmers, and everyday fishermen whose livelihoods depend on wild octopus. In this vibrant account of his experiences, Schweid also engages pressing related issues: environmental impact; the need for sustainable farming opportunities in underresourced communities; and how global desires for specific foods place pressure on local populations. Ultimately, the appetite for octopus demonstrates the conundrums of our interconnected world—across countries, through oceans, and via the food we consume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Life on the Octopus Farm about?
In 2021, the London School of Economics found that octopuses are sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain, distress, and happiness, and that high-welfare farming of them would therefore be impossible. But the enormous international demand for octopus meat continues to grow even as wild octopus populations decline, prompting a race to bring the first farm-raised product to market. At the same time, firestorms of protest in Europe and the United States over the ethics of farming such an intelligent creature are pressuring lawmakers to ban the practice altogether.
After working at one of the world’s first octopus farms, on the Yucatán Peninsula, award-winning journalist Richard Schweid embarked on a global adventure to explore the ethics and future of octopus aquaculture. He traveled to octopus-farming sites in Mexico, Spain, and Japan where he met people on both sides of the ethical debate: marine biologists, businesspeople, restaurateurs, animal rights advocates, octopus farmers, and everyday fishermen whose livelihoods depend on wild octopus. In this vibrant account of his experiences, Schweid also engages pressing related issues: environmental impact; the need for sustainable farming opportunities in underresourced communities; and how global desires for specific foods place pressure on local populations. Ultimately, the appetite for octopus demonstrates the conundrums of our interconnected world—across countries, through oceans, and via the food we consume.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Life on the Octopus Farm?
Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning > The environment > Conservation of the environment
Where can I read a sample of Life on the Octopus Farm?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469696874
How long is Life on the Octopus Farm and how many pages does it have?
Life on the Octopus Farm has 186 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Life on the Octopus Farm?
Richard Schweid
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Life on the Octopus Farm is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469696874) and paperback(ISBN 9781469696881) and ebook(ISBN 9781469686943) and pdf(ISBN 9781469696898)
Where can I buy Life on the Octopus Farm online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Life on the Octopus Farm from below
Where can I buy Life on the Octopus Farm?