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Bigger and more of them - octopus boom in UK waters

Common octopus shows its tentacles to the camera. They are full of suckersGetty Images

Despite being called the common octopus, it's actually not very common to see these eight-legged creatures in UK waters.

However, fishers on the south west coast of England have noticed an increase in both the numbers and size of the cephalopods over the past few months.

It has meant there are fewer lobsters, crabs and shellfish for the fishers to catch and sell, because the octopuses feed on them.

Scientists think it could be due to rising sea temperatures or that there aren't as many predators in the water, but say more research is needed.

More on octopuses

A fisherman holds up two lobsters while at sea on a boat. He is wearing a blue knitted jumper and bright orange overallsGetty Images

Octopus like to feed on lobsters and other shellfish

Why is this a problem?

Fishers in the UK catch lobsters, crabs and shellfish using pots which they then pull up from the sea floor.

But these pots have small openings which the octopuses can squeeze themselves into to feast on the animals inside for themselves.

It means there are fewer crabs, lobsters and shellfish for the fishers to sell, but they can still get a decent price for the octopuses they catch.

The main concern comes from scientists who are trying to figure out why this is happening and if there are any other consequences.

A purple-coloured octopus with tentacles with rocks in the background.Getty Images

What do the experts say?

Carli Cocciardi, from the Devon Wildlife Trust, said: "We typically see two species in the UK, the common octopus and the curled octopus.

"The south-west of England is really the northern edge of the common octopus's range, so sightings here are significant.

"These are the species most likely to be involved in the recent increase."

"This isn't the first time we've seen a spike. Similar increases were recorded in 1899, 1948, and again in 2022.

"The most likely cause is rising sea temperatures, which make our waters more suitable for species like the common octopus.

"Other factors could include changes in ocean currents or increased prey availability.

"It's interesting that the gaps between these events are shortening, perhaps it's no longer a rare cycle but a sign of more permanent change."

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