Devon octopus boom investigated
Rising number of the 8-legged creatures is causing concern
A rare increase in numbers of the common octopus in the South West is being investigated - over fears about fishing and the ecosystem.
Plymouth City Council, Devon County Council and government department DEFRA are looking into the cause and consequences - with experts called in from the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth University and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "Almost overnight, our local potters saw their usual crab and lobster catches replaced by octopus and the remains of what they hadn’t eaten. It was a dramatic shift. While historic data shows that octopus blooms have occurred before, none have happened in living memory, which is why we felt it was essential to act quickly - gathering real-time data and first-hand accounts from fishermen across the South West. We’re incredibly grateful to Devon County Council for partnering with us, and to Minister Zeichner for recognising the urgency of the situation. DEFRA’s support has been vital in helping us launch this important research."
Devon County Council Leader, Julian Brazil, added: "On a personal level, living near Salcombe and Dartmouth, this is having a direct effect on the fishing community in my area and across the whole of Devon. We're pleased to be supporting this project which is important for our environment and economy. Climate change is warming our seas and oceans and we're now seeing the additional challenges that's bringing with it, so it’s vital that we gain a better understanding of how this is impacting local marine life and the knock-on effect on our local fishing industry.”
Fisherman-turned-scientist Dr Simon Thomas ,who will speak to those in the fishing industry, said: "The vast knowledge of the fishermen is central to understanding what has happened with the octopus bloom. They have been out there, observing the bloom evolve and move in real time. My job is to listen to the fishermen and piece together their ideas and information, combine with historical and environmental data, to try and understand why these octopus are here in such large numbers and if this will be an isolated event or will this happen more often."
Researchers will use advanced techniques like baited remote underwater videos and time-lapse cameras on crab on lobster pots to work out what the octopus are doing and develop early warning systems for the future.