Octopus surge spreads to Scotland and Wales as warming waters reshape UK marine ecosystem, study finds
By
Matthew Taylor
Warm and crisp on the edges. A bagel with a bit of bite.
Summary
A study reveals that record numbers of octopuses, first observed off south-west England in 2025, have now spread along UK coasts to Scotland and Wales. The surge, linked to warming waters, is transforming both the fishing industry and marine ecosystem — boosting octopus catches while reducing shellfish yields.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledRecord numbers of octopuses found off the south-west coast of England last year have now spread as far as Scotland and Wales
The surge in sightings of one of the world's most intelligent invertebrates was first recorded in 2025 off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall
A new study, based on scientific surveys, underwater monitoring and observations from recreational divers and snorkellers, has found octopuses have spread along the north coasts of Devon and Cornwall
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