02 Jun 2026
Photo by Annie Spratt Cornwall’s inshore fisheries regulator is proposing an emergency byelaw to restrict octopus potting by larger vessels, as concern mounts over the impact of an unprecedented population bloom on the region’s crab and lobster fisheries. Cornwall IFCA announced on 26 May that its members will consider the measure at a quarterly meeting […]
18 May 2026
Photo by Wim van ‘t Einde The Nederlandse Vissersbond (Dutch Fishermen’s Association) has reported that rising sea temperatures are driving a significant increase in squid abundance across the southern and central North Sea, presenting new commercial opportunities for Dutch fishermen – but also exposing gaps in how the fishery is managed. According to the […]
24 Jun 2025
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published the findings of research that examined the potential feasibility of a targeted octopus fishery in southwest England based on stakeholder observations of generally increasing abundance of octopus and subsequent increase in bycatches. The project investigated trends in octopus abundance spatially and temporally, as well as exploring opportunities and […]
27 May 2025
Image: Fishing boats by John Mark Strange The number of octopus are increasing in the south-west, and fishers are feeling the impact. Instead of hauling up pots with crabs, lobsters and other shellfish, fishers are finding octopus and empty shells instead. Plymouth crab fisherman Brian Tapper described the situation: “The octopus are ruining us… […]
05 Apr 2022
‘Cutting edge’ UK law set to recognise that octopuses are sentient The UK government is considering amendments to animal welfare legislation which would recognise the sentience of Octopus and their ability to feel pain, as reported in the Independent. In November last year, the scope of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill was extended to recognise […]
25 Sep 2018
Roseanna Cunningham Environment Secretary visits COAST’s new visitor centre Cunningham commits to tackling “serious issues” of biodiversity loss and climate change Scottish Cabinet Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, visited us this week at Scotland’s first MPA visitor centre, the Octopus Centre. COAST was pleased to see her interact with the new exhibitions and display her knowledge! But we were […]