'Year of octopus' declared after warmer seas leads to record numbers in UK
Summary
A wildlife charity has named 2025 "the Year of the Blooming Octopus" due to record numbers of octopuses found off the UK's south-west coast. Warmer sea temperatures, which experts link to climate change, are believed to be the cause. The increase in octopus numbers could affect local shellfish populations and the fishing industry.Key Facts
- Octopus numbers were the highest since 1950 in the south-west coast of England in 2025.
- More than 1,200 tonnes of octopus were caught in UK waters during the summer of 2025.
- Warmer winters, linked to climate change, are believed to cause the spike in octopus populations, known as a "bloom."
- The species mostly spotted is Octopus vulgaris, common in the Mediterranean Sea.
- An increase of over 1,500 percent in sightings was reported compared to 2023 in some coastal areas.
- The rise in octopus numbers might alter fishing and eating habits due to their impact on local shellfish species.
- Government data shows crab landings decreased, but lobster, crawfish, and scallop catches stayed stable.
- Other events this year included plastic spills in the North Sea and a record number of puffins on Skomer Island.
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