Introduction to Lily’s Challenge

Lily’s journey began with a passion for octopuses, her favorite animal, leading her to take action against the proposed octopus farming practices in the Canary Islands. With the thrill of the ocean and the urgency of the cause, she set out to swim 2 km, a distance that equates to about 80 lengths of a standard swimming pool without stopping. This article delves into the training, the significance of her swim, and the octopus’s remarkable biology, all while shedding light on the environmental concerns surrounding octopus farming.

The Fascinating Biology of Octopuses

Octopuses are among the most intriguing creatures of the ocean, known for their unique abilities and characteristics.

Unique Abilities

• Camouflage: Octopuses can change their color and texture to blend in with their environment, a skill that serves as both a defense mechanism and a hunting strategy.
• Multiple Brains: Each octopus has nine brains, with one central brain and a mini-brain in each of its eight arms, allowing for complex movements and dexterity.
• Three Hearts: They possess three hearts; two pump blood to the gills, while the third pumps it to the rest of the body.

Research Initiatives

Inspired by her school research about octopuses, Lily learned of the planned octopus farm in the Canary Islands, which could potentially raise up to a million octopuses annually. This information deepened her commitment to advocacy against octopus farming practices.

The Reality of Octopus Farming

As demand for octopus increases, the fishing methods currently in use are becoming unsustainable.

Fishing Practices

Octopuses are typically fished using:

• Pots
• Lines
• Traps

Concerns About Factory Farming

Factory farming of octopuses raises significant ethical concerns, including:

1. Social Behavior: Octopuses are solitary creatures and may become aggressive or stressed in confined environments.
2. Health Risks: Crowded conditions can lead to health issues, including cannibalism among octopuses.
3. Environmental Impact: There are concerns about how farming practices can affect local ecosystems and wild populations.

Current Developments

With the plans for octopus farming delayed by the Canary Islands government for further study, there is hope that these issues will be addressed before any farms are established.

Lily’s Training and Swim Experience

Preparation for her swim was no easy feat. For three months, Lily trained rigorously, adapting to the unpredictable nature of ocean swimming.

Training Challenges

Unlike swimming in a pool, the ocean presents various challenges:

• Unpredictable currents
• Waves and tides
• Visibility issues, as the ocean floor is often obscured

The Day of the Swim

On the day of her swim, Lily experienced a mix of excitement and nerves. Despite the challenges, she found joy in her effort:

• “It was so much fun and the conditions were great!”
• “I kind of wanted to keep a pace that kept going because if I stopped, I would get cold.”

Fundraising Success

Lily’s dedication paid off as her swim raised over £99,000 for the animal charity Compassion in World Farming, which campaigns against octopus farming.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Lily’s swim not only raised significant funds but also highlighted the pressing issues surrounding octopus farming. As she reflects on her achievement, she expresses hope for the future:

“I just hope we can stop octopus farming around the world before it even starts.”

Join Lily in her mission to protect octopuses and advocate against harmful farming practices. Together, we can raise awareness and drive change for these incredible creatures. For more information on how to support this cause, visit Compassion in World Farming.