Octopus infestation intensifies, causing significant damage to Britain's shellfish industry.

In the waters off the Devon and southern Cornwall coastline, an unusual phenomenon has taken place - the biggest octopus bloom in 75 years. This event, while intriguing, has brought about significant challenges for the local shellfish industry.

Fisherman Tapper, who has been working in these waters for decades, expresses his concern that the crab population may not recover in his lifetime. The reason? The octopus, known for their voracious appetite, have been consuming crustaceans such as crab and shellfish at an alarming rate.

Tapper's wife, who runs a dockside crab processing factory, has had to shutter her business due to the diminished catch. Similarly, landings of shellfish such as brown crab are down significantly in 2025. Chris Kelly, another fisherman, has been among those who have caught good prices for octopus but has caught no lobsters.

The South Devon and Channel Shellfishermen cooperative association, which represents over 50 vessels, is concerned about the impact on shellfish stocks due to the octopus bloom. Sue MacKenzie, from Passionate About Fish, shares similar sentiments, stating that the octopuses are eating indigenous species at an unanticipated rate, which is quite scary.

An 18-month marine heatwave in the region is believed to be the cause of this warm water-loving octopus bloom. The Marine Conservation Society, in collaboration with local and national authorities, has commissioned an urgent study to investigate the situation.

Meanwhile, marine scientist Bryce Stewart, who is leading the study, suspects that octopuses are now breeding in local waters, which could explain their sudden disappearance. Bryce Stewart, who is also frequently asked if the octopuses are here to stay, answers "Probably."

Caroline Bennett, from Sole of Discretion, has started buying octopus as an alternative to shellfish due to the diminished catch. Despite decent market prices for octopus helping offset losses, only until their numbers began dropping considerably in July.

The UK fishermen landed more than 1,200 tonnes of octopus in the first six months of 2025, compared to less than 150 tonnes in the same period in 2023, and less than 80 tonnes in those months last year. However, some vessels in the cooperative have caught no octopus during the entire season.

As the study continues, it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to this unexpected change in the marine ecosystem. One thing is certain, the octopus bloom is reshaping the coastal landscape in ways that are both fascinating and challenging for the local community.

Octopus infestation intensifies, causing significant damage to Britain's shellfish industry.