A new report has revealed that a dramatic population bloom of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) off the South West coast is having significant effects on fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The common octopus is native to UK waters but is typically rare, favouring warmer seas further south in Europe and the Mediterranean. Only four major population blooms have been recorded in the past 125 years - in 1899-1900, 1932-33, 1950-51 - with the current bloom, which really accelerated from January last year, appearing to be at least as extensive as any previously recorded.
A study examining it was conducted by researchers from the University of Plymouth, the Marine Biological Association (MBA), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and an independent consultant. Funded by Defra, Plymouth City Council and Devon County Council, it draws on data from scientists, fishermen and citizen scientists.
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