Octopus Numbers Boom in Cornwall Impact on Local Wildlife

A surprising rise in the number of octopuses has been reported along the coast of Cornwall and Devon this year. Local fishers and marine experts say it is the biggest increase in decades, and it may be linked to changes in sea temperatures and ocean conditions.

What’s Happening?

• Warmer seas caused by a marine heatwave have raised water temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal.

• This may have created the perfect conditions for common octopuses to thrive and reproduce.

Big Catches for Fishers

• Fishers in places like Mevagissey and Brixham are catching huge numbers of octopuses.

• One fishing crew reported catching over 150 octopuses in a single day.

• Octopus prices are high, with some selling at £8 per kilogram, especially for export to Spain.

Concerns for Shellfish Stocks

• Octopuses are entering lobster and crab traps, eating the valuable shellfish.

• This is causing concern for shellfish fishers who are losing catch and income.

• There are suggestions to adjust traps to protect crabs and lobsters from octopus attacks.

Impact on Wildlife

• Octopuses are natural predators and feed on crustaceans like crabs and shellfish.

• A sudden increase in their numbers could upset the balance of the local marine ecosystem.

What Happens Next?

• The Cornwall Wildlife Trust is asking people to report sightings using the ORKS app to help track the changes.

• Experts may recommend new rules, such as fishing limits or trap designs, if octopus numbers stay high.

• Long-term monitoring is needed to see if this is a one-time event or a sign of more permanent change due to global warming.

Summary

The rise in octopus numbers in Cornwall is both exciting and worrying. It brings short-term gains for some fishers, but could harm local wildlife and shellfish stocks in the long run. Scientists and fishers will need to work together to protect the future of Cornwall’s seas.