Octopus bloom may stay, says Marine Biological Institute

An octopus bloom off Devon and Cornwall may be here to stay, according to the Marine Biological Association’s latest study, the largest surge in 75 years. The invader appears to be breeding in UK waters, with octopuses reportedly displacing lobsters and crabs from pots and driving record landings in the region. In Brixham, fishermen estimated weekly octopus landings near 100 tonnes, possibly reaching 200 tonnes by week’s end, while a daily shellfish consumption by octopuses was put at about 10,000 kg. The findings come as markets posted a record 103 tonnes of octopus sold two weeks ago for over £500,000.