And finally ... great news for octopus and kittiwake populations
Octopus numbers boom in Cornwall - Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Huge numbers of octopus have been seen along Cornwall’s coastline this month in what experts are describing as a “bumper year” for sightings.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s marine conservation officers now believe this could be evidence of an octopus population boom – an event last recorded along England’s south coast more than 70 years ago.
Divers and snorkellers have reported an increase of Common Octopus in Cornwall, particularly around the Lizard peninsula.
Despite its name, this large species of octopus is rarely seen in UK waters and has been recorded by the wildlife charity just twice a year on average.
Matt Slater, Marine Conservation Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: “I got really excited when I started receiving messages from our Seasearch divers – not only because sightings of these striking animals are few and far between, but because they’d seen several of them on one dive. They are such amazing, alien creatures – one of the most intelligent animals in our oceans – and to witness a population explosion in our local waters would be incredible.”
Local fishers along Cornwall’s south coast have also witnessed large numbers of octopus in their lobster pots and cuttlefish traps. One Mevagissey fisherman reported catching 150 octopuses in a day, compared to his usual catch of one or two a year.
The Common Octopus is known for its large eyes, soft bag-like body and tentacles which can span up to one metre. Like other cephalopods, their populations fluctuate dramatically as scientists attempt to learn more about their behaviour and abundance.
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Posted On: 30/06/2022