New GOV.UK page launched to encourage reporting, provide updates and track the South West's octopus bloom
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched a new dedicated webpage on GOV.UK to keep the public, fishing industry and scientific community updated in response to the common octopus bloom in South West England
Image: Albert Kok via Wikipedia
Since 2025, there has been a marked increase in sightings of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). The new webpage acts as a single, central source of information on the bloom, bringing together updates from MMO and government, details of ongoing work with stakeholders, the latest scientific research and monitoring activity, and monthly octopus and shellfish landing figures. Infographics previously shared through the South West Regional Fisheries Group will now be published on the page and updated every month.
Tim Dixon, Head of Fisheries Management at MMO, said:
The octopus bloom has understandably sparked huge interest, and we want to make sure everyone can easily find reliable, up-to-date information in one place. This new webpage does exactly that, and the reporting portal means anyone who spots an octopus can help us build a fuller picture of what’s happening in our waters and respond
On the webpage, MMO has introduced an octopus reporting portal, allowing divers, recreational anglers and members of the public to submit sightings of octopus. These reports, combined with commercial fisheries data, will help MMO build a clearer understanding of where octopus are appearing, including any signs that they are spreading to new areas.
Both common octopus and curled octopus (Eledone cirrhosa) already feature in two non-quota species fisheries management plans (FMPs): the Southern North Sea FMP and the Channel demersal FMP. Although these plans were developed before the recent rise in sightings and landings, they contain actions to improve understanding of octopus species through monitoring, research and evidence gathering. This will help MMO to determine whether further steps are needed in future.
MMO continues to work closely with fishermen, scientists and other stakeholders, monitoring landings and gathering evidence to better understand the impact of rising octopus numbers on other fisheries, any broader effects on the marine environment, and potential opportunities for an octopus fishery.
Visit the new webpage to find the latest landings data and reports. Find out more: MMO updates on the octopus bloom - GOV.UK