Exceptionally high sightings of one of the world's most intelligent invertebrates this past summer have prompted the designation of 2025 as the octopus's year in an annual review of UK coastal waters.
A mild winter coupled with a very warm springtime prompted unprecedented numbers of *Octopus vulgaris* to establish themselves along England’s south coast, from Penzance in Cornwall to south Devon.
“The reported landings was roughly thirteen times what we would typically see in Cornish waters,” explained a marine conservation officer. “Calculating the figures, nearly a quarter of a million octopuses were found in UK waters this year – that’s a huge increase from what is typical.”
The common octopus is native to these waters but typically so rare it is rarely seen. An explosive growth is caused by the dual effect of gentle winter conditions and a warm breeding season. This perfect scenario meant increased juvenile survival, possibly in part fuelled by significant populations of a favored prey species seen in the area.
The last time, a population surge of this scale comparable was recorded in 1950, with past documentation indicating the one before that occurred in 1900.
The huge numbers of octopuses meant they could be frequently seen in shallow waters for a rare occurrence. Video footage show octopuses congregating together – contrary to their normally lone nature – and “walking” along the bottom on their tentacle tips. One creature was even seen investigating an underwater camera.
“The first time I dived there this year I saw multiple octopuses,” the officer added. “They are large specimens. Two kinds exist in the region. The curled octopus is smaller, the size of a ball, but the *Octopus vulgaris* can be with a span of 1.5 meters.”
A second gentle winter this coming winter suggests the potential another surge the following year, because in the past, in similar situations, the blooms have repeated for two years running.
“But, it's improbable, based on past events, that it will persist indefinitely,” they stated. “Marine life is unpredictable currently so it’s a very uncertain scenario.”
The annual review also celebrated additional positive marine news around the UK coastline, including:
Not everything was good news, however. “The calendar year was marked by ecological challenges,” stated an expert. “A major tanker collision in the North Sea and the release of plastic pollution off the Sussex coast were serious issues. Staff and volunteers are putting in immense work to defend and heal our coasts.”
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