This is completely ludicrous. To all the protesters out there...have you ever ate a chicken sandwich? Big Mac? Thick juicy steak? Sushi? Fish filet? I have some bad news for you types, call it harsh reality if you will. These creatures were not allowed to die a nice peaceful death of natural causes so their flesh could nourish your bodies and assure your survival. They were slaughtered at a commercial processing facility by the most expeditious means possible. Again, reality warning here, this involved a sharp blow to the head followed immediately by severing the corotid artery so the still beating heart can pump most of the blood from the carcass. This very necessary step prevents the blood from pooling in the flesh which can cause off tastes, bad color and affects the keeping qualities of the meat. That applies to larger animals but poultry is handled a little differently. They skip the blow to the head. They simply hang the live chickens/turkeys by their feet and slit their throat immediately or simply lp off their heads. Again, this allows the still beating heart to flush the carcass of blood as they flutter helplessly. I'm not trying to "be mean" or "gross anyone out" but introduce the ignorant to the realities of their daily combo meals. We country folk raise our own cattle and hogs and butcher them every fall. We choose to raise our own meat under conditions of our own choosing rather than a sterile, detached purchase at the grocer. So why the outcry for the octopus? Because it's an unusual creature? Because it's deemed "cute?" Food prejudices perhaps? Please understand that our Asian, Japanese and even Mediterranian cousins hold no such qualms and highly appreciate this most advanced of mollusks for the gastronomic delight that it is. Does the thought of consuming dog flesh abhor you? Koreans relish such activity. Do you appreciate a good BBQ brisket sandwich? A Hindu would be appalled at such a suggstion! My point is, the man was engaged in a perfectly legal and regulated activity. He broke no laws and hurt no one. I've no doubt the state did thorough research and determined that there were sufficient Giant octopus to sustain a reasonable harvest of one per day, per diver. These quotas are constantly monotored and adjusted to maintain a healthy, sustainable population. Modern game management strategies and techniques represent a rare bright spot in man's attempt at manipulating the natural world. White-tailed deer are a good example but there are many others. Through sound management and sustainable harvest practices the deer population has recovered and exceeded that of just a hundred years ago many times over. Please understand folks, we are already regulated far too much. Do not let your feelings and emotions dictate not only the actions of others but laws and regulations that are already in place and are accomplishing their stated goals. If you are a vegetarian or whatnot then you do have a leg to stand on, albeit a small one. I respect your right to choose not to eat animal flesh but do not respect any insistance on imposing your views on others, any more than someone imposing their religious views or moral views upon others. But for a meater-eater to decry and protest the legal harvest of fish and game is the very height of hypocrisy. And to Bob and others of his ilk, if the scene of the harvest bothered you, I'm sorry that you had to witness it. But I assure you it was far more benign and "fair" than the ribeye steak or chicken sandwich that you had for lunch. When hunting, at least the game has a sporting chance. You must do so on their turf and in their environment. That chicken or cow had no chance in hell.
