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south west fisheries

Octopus bloom off Southwest UK: New report reveals scale, causes and consequences

Jan 27, 2026Jan 26, 2026 by Amy Schofield

A new report led by the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), the University of Plymouth and an independent consultant has revealed that a dramatic population bloom of the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) off the Southwest coast of the UK is having significant effects on fisheries and marine ecosystems.

Categories Latest News, National Marine Biological Library, Ocean Biology, Our Science, Press Release, Stewart Group Tags climate change impacts, climate-driven species change, common octopus, crab fisheries, defra, devon county council, fisheries management, fishery adaptation, long-term marine monitoring, Marine Biological Association, Marine Heatwaves, marine policy, ocean modelling, Octopus bloom, octopus bloom southwest england, octopus population surge, octopus vulgaris, plymouth city council, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, scallop fisheries, south west england octopus, south west fisheries, south west UK marine life, southwest england octopus, sustainable fisheries, University of Plymouth, warming seas
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The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales (1155893), and is a company limited by Royal Charter (RC000865). The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea.

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