Common octopus © Keith Hiscock MBE
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) in the UK has launched two public surveys – one for fishermen and one for divers and snorkellers – to gather vital information on the unusual surge in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) numbers reported in the waters off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall this year.
Following the unexpected bloom of common octopus reported by local fishermen since early 2025, Plymouth City Council Leader Cllr Tudor Evans OBE reached out to neighbouring local authorities and Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner MP for support in commissioning a study to better understand the phenomenon and its impact on fishermen and the wider marine environment.
As a result, Devon County Council has agreed to support and partner with Plymouth City Council. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has also agreed to support the work and extend the project to include additional scientific investigations and data collection.
MBA Senior Research Fellow Dr Bryce Stewart is leading the project in collaboration with scientists from the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and independent scientific consultant Dr Simon Thomas.
The broader piece of work commissioned by Defra and led by Dr Stewart includes the use of advanced survey methods to better understand the current bloom and develop a potential early warning system to detect future blooms. These methods include deploying baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs) in different habitats, and fitting time-lapse cameras to crab and lobster pots to observe octopus interactions with fishing gear.
Dr Stewart said: “This research simply wouldn’t be possible without Plymouth City Council taking the lead and the backing of Devon County Council and Defra, and we’re extremely thankful for their support. Our goal is to uncover the reasons behind this octopus bloom, assess its impact on fishing communities, and work out how best to respond if we see it happen again. As our seas warm due to climate change, we can expect unusual events like this to become increasingly common, making it all the more important to survey now to help us to predict what may happen in the future.”
Local knowledge at heart of the project
Former fisherman and scientist Dr Simon Thomas will lead engagement with the fishing community throughout the project, visiting quaysides across the South West to collect first-hand accounts of the octopus bloom. He’ll work closely with fishermen to explore where the octopus may have come from, whether they bred locally, and what this means for other marine species and livelihoods.
Dr Simon Thomas said: “Fishermen have been at the forefront, watching this bloom unfold and shift from day-to-day. Their knowledge and experience is invaluable in piecing together the phenomenon. My role is to gather their insights, combine them with historical records and environmental data, and work out why we’re seeing so many octopus and whether this is a one-off or the start of a new pattern.”
How the public can get involved
As part of the research, two dedicated online surveys have been launched to gain the insights of those involved with fisheries and with observing marine life in South West waters:
- Fishermen survey – to gather insights into how the bloom has affected catches and livelihoods.
- Scuba diver and snorkeller survey – to record octopus sightings, abundance, behaviour, and breeding activity.
The fishermen survey and the scuba diver and snorkeller survey both close at midnight Sunday 14 September 2025.
A collaborative effort
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This extraordinary octopus bloom is a wake-up call about the changing nature of our seas. Plymouth has always been at the forefront of marine science, and when our fishing communities raised the alarm, we knew we had to act fast. That’s why we brought together partners across local government and national agencies to launch this vital study. It’s a brilliant example of science and community working hand-in-hand and it’s exactly the kind of rapid, collaborative response we need as climate change continues to reshape our marine environment.”
Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Plymouth, Emma Sheehan, said: “I am really excited about this collaborative research project. It is a great opportunity to use the University of Plymouth long-term monitoring underwater video research to record octopus occurrence and study their habitat interactions.”
Project partner Professor Tim Smyth added: “Plymouth Marine Laboratory is proud to contribute to this project, which unites some of the world’s longest-running marine time-series datasets. By integrating these records, we are hoping to uncover the environmental drivers behind this remarkable octopus bloom.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, 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.”
The project is guided by a Steering Group including representatives from the fishing industry, the Devon and Severn IFCA, the Cornwall IFCA, Cefas, and the Marine Management Organisation.
Support our science
The Marine Biological Association is a charity dedicated to advancing marine science for the benefit of society and the ocean. You can support projects like this by becoming a Member or donating at www.mba.ac.uk.
| Additional Information
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our ocean and the life it supports. Its in-depth scienti?c research into the interconnected marine environment is carried out from its prestigious laboratory HQ in Plymouth, UK. HM King Charles III was announced as Royal Patron of the Marine Biological Association a year ago today, our 5th Royal Patron since HRH The Prince of Wales, Edward VII in 1884. The MBA has Royal Charter status for its world-leading role in marine biology research. Since 1884, the MBA has worked as a voice for the ocean and in the interests of the global marine biological community. The MBA’s advanced knowledge has contributed to the work of several Nobel Laureates and over 170 Fellows of the Royal Society. |
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| Marine research in the city of Plymouth
Plymouth – Britain’s Ocean City – has been at the forefront of policy relevant marine research for more than a century. It is home to three world-leading scientific institutions (the University of Plymouth, the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, and Plymouth Marine Laboratory) comprising the UK’s largest cluster of marine researchers, recognised globally in terms of publications, impact and influence. Collaborations with colleagues in 98 countries over the last five years place Plymouth at the heart of international scientific and societal advances in fields including climate change, marine pollution, and ecosystem monitoring and prediction. Become a Member Together, we are the voice of marine biology. Explore the opportunities available to you as a Member of the Marine Biological Association: www.mba.ac.uk/our-membership |
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