Octopus Surge Transforms British Fishing Town
Brixham, England - An unprecedented influx of octopuses has dramatically reshaped the fishing industry and local economy of Brixham, a coastal town in southern England, throughout the summer months.the surge has brought unexpected financial gains for some, while raising concerns for others in the established fishing community.
Fisherman Arthur Dewhirst recounted his surprise upon hauling in his nets, finding them teeming with the cephalopods instead of the usual catch. “Money,money,money,” he told The New York times,reflecting the immediate economic potential. The abundance has proven lucrative, with Dewhirst earning up to £10,000 (approximately €11,000) extra per week, as each kilogram of octopus fetches a price of £7 (€8).
The octopus boom has rippled through Brixham. Restaurants have quickly added octopus dishes to their menus, and markets have experienced record demand. One market owner even shared a cooking tutorial on social media to introduce the relatively unfamiliar species to British kitchens.
Between January and August, the Brixham fish market processed a staggering 12,000 tons of octopus, including a single-day high of 48 tons. “We were simply invaded,” stated Barry Young, the octopus auctioneer, adding, “It was fantastic to see thes quantities and a blessing to everyone.”
Scientists attribute the phenomenon to warming waters. Steve Simpson, a professor of marine biology at the university of Bristol, believes “climate change is probably one of the factors that drive this population boom,” explaining that “Our waters are getting warmer, becoming favorable to octopus populations.”
This isn’t the first time an increase in octopus numbers has been observed in English waters. According to Carli Cocciardi of the Devon Wildlife Trust, similar increases occurred in 1900, 1950, and more recently in 2022. Cocciardi emphasized the novelty of the current situation, stating authorities will ensure sustainability “if it becomes a permanent feature of English waters.”
However, the octopus abundance isn’t universally welcomed. Crab and lobster fishermen are reporting increased numbers of empty shells and skeletal remains, indicating the octopuses are actively preying on crustaceans. Local regulations require the use of “escape cages” on fishing boats to protect crabs and lobsters, but some fishermen suspect these cages are inadvertently providing octopuses access to their prey.
Dave Driver, a local fisherman, noted the unusual nature of the event, stating, “This is the first time in 49 years…” he trailed off, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the octopus arrival, even for those working outside the species’ preferred deep-water habitats.
