The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched a dedicated GOV.UK webpage to track the common octopus bloom in South West England, according to the report published on 19 August 2026. Since 2025 there has been a marked increase in sightings of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), the agency said.

The page brings together updates from the MMO and government, work with stakeholders, scientific research and monitoring, and monthly octopus and shellfish landing figures. Infographics previously shared through the South West Regional Fisheries Group are to be published there and updated each month. The MMO also introduced an octopus reporting portal where divers, recreational anglers and members of the public can submit sightings; combined with commercial fisheries data, these reports are intended to help build a clearer picture of where octopus are appearing, including any signs of spread to new areas.

Common and curled octopus already feature in two non-quota species fisheries management plans, the Southern North Sea and the Channel demersal plans. The MMO said these were developed before the recent rise in sightings and landings but include actions on monitoring, research and evidence gathering, which will help determine whether further steps are needed. The agency said it continues to work with fishermen, scientists and other stakeholders on the effects of rising octopus numbers and potential opportunities for an octopus fishery.