UK Marine Management Organisation launches portal to track octopus bloom

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched a dedicated GOV.UK webpage and reporting portal to track a significant rise in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) sightings off the coast of South West England.

Since early 2025, an octopus ‘bloom’ has been spreading northwards from Devon and Cornwall, with reports extending as far as the Scottish coastline. Experts believe warming seas and marine heatwaves are contributing factors to this phenomenon.

The new portal allows the public, including divers and recreational anglers, to submit sightings alongside data from the fishing industry and scientific community. This information aims to help the MMO build a comprehensive picture of the species' movement and impact. Such data will be used to inform and potentially update fisheries management plans, which were developed prior to the recent increase in octopus activity.