MMO updates on the octopus bloom

During 2025 and into 2026, fishermen in South West England reported a surge in sightings and landings of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), often referred to as an “octopus bloom”. This webpage provides updates on how the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is responding to this situation, including access to an octopus reporting portal, data on octopus and shellfish landings, stakeholder engagement activities, an overview of relevant scientific research, and information on available funding.