Octopus 'explosion' in British waters is investigated by officials as the predators devour crab and lobster stocks

British octopus landings have soared nearly 1,500% since 2021, reaching more than 3,700 tonnes against a prior yearly average of around 220. Scientists describe the bloom off southwest Britain as the largest in at least 75 years, fuelled by unusually warm seas. Export revenues climbed to £12.8 million last year from just £164,000, with France and Spain the leading buyers. Shellfish fisheries, however, suffered losses exceeding £10 million in 2025.

Catches in some crab, lobster and scallop fisheries have crashed by 30% to 50%.