An octopus species native to the UK experienced a dramatic recovery in 2025. Its record numbers have experts excited, The Guardian reports.
The common octopus, or Mediterranean octopus, is thriving again in waters off England’s south coast from Cornwall to Devon. Matt Slater, marine conservation officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, told the Guardian that local fishermen in Cornwall were catching 13 times more than expected. The total number of octopuses is approximately 233,000.
The figures are so impressive that the Wildlife Trusts has dubbed 2025 the “Year of the Octopus”.
This species is native to Britain, but is generally found in smaller numbers. Mild winters combined with a warm spring breeding season create ideal conditions for a population boom. The last time such numbers of octopuses were seen in the area was in 1950.
Experts expect the species will be just as abundant by 2026, but numbers are expected to decline after that, following previous patterns.
Slater told the outlet, “Based on past events, this is unlikely to last for long. But the sea continues to surprise us at the moment, so it’s a fairly unpredictable situation.”
Octopuses are an important part of marine ecosystems, feeding on crabs, crayfish and molluscs and helping to control the populations of these populations. The common octopus is also considered one of the most intelligent invertebrates in the ocean. According to National Geographic, it is able to uniquely block attacks and camouflage itself almost perfectly.
Experts worry that octopus “reproduction” may affect other types of fishing activities. The UK’s Marine Management Organization said crab catches had declined. But lobster, crawfish and scallops all remained stable.
Octopuses make unexpected appearances elsewhere, too. The remains of an octopus washed up on the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and were taken away by scientists for further study. A filmmaker diving in the waters off British Columbia received a “tender hug” from an octopus while filming underwater.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.