Fishermen urge action on octopus

AN investigation has been launched over a rise in octopus numbers along the South West coast.

- By HARRY ALDRIDGE

The bloom of common octopus was first reported earlier this year by local fishermen, who flagged a sudden drop in their usual catches of crab and lobster, replaced instead by octopus and the remains of their prey.

Concerned by the potential impact on marine ecosystems and the local fishing industry, Plymouth City Council leader, Cllr Tudor Evans alerted neighbouring authorities and Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner MP to launch a study.

Devon County Council quickly joined the initiative, while the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) extended the scope of the project to include wider scientific research.