When Nueva Pescanova revealed its plans for the world’s first octopus farm, many scientists and animal welfare advocates recoiled in horror. According to Nueva Pescanova, however, the official reasons for withdrawing its application include extended administrative deadlines and regulatory requirements. “Around the world, policymakers are increasingly taking steps to prevent octopus farming before it becomes established,” says Lara. It’s an innovative—and arguably revolutionary—product for the vegan seafood industry, although some found its lifelike design too confronting. “Why does a vegan alternative to octopus bring such controversy, while the farming of highly intelligent octopus does not?