Octopus bloom spreads along UK coast to Scotland and Wales

Scientists say that octopuses have been spotted in UK waters, as far as the coasts of Scotland and Wales.

There were reports last year of a surge in Octopus numbers in south west England, but it seems that some of the cephalopods are now travelling further north.

Some fishers in southwest England have complained that the eight-legged sea creatures are eating lots of crab, lobster and other shellfish, which means there's less for them to catch.

The study, published by the Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth, warns that fishing communities in other areas could soon be affected too.

The research is part of a wider study about the bloom of the common octopus - known as Octopus vulgaris - off the southwest coast since 2025.

Evidence suggests the sea creatures came from near the Channel Islands and northern France, and the currents of the ocean carried them into UK waters.

Divers, snorkellers and video cameras caught the octopuses hunting, guarding food and interacting with other species.

They also spotted eggs and young octopus, which suggests that breeding has taken place in the UK.

After being spotted in Wales, Dorset, East Sussex and Scotland, it seems the creatures are getting more adventurous!

The octopus bloom has coincided with sharp declines of fishers catching shellfish species like crabs, lobsters and scallops.

Octopus are brilliant predators.

According to fishers and divers, they've spotted the creatures feeding from inside the fishing gear, pinching the shellfish the fishers have trapped!

This means that some fishers lost equipment and money.

Dr Bryce Steward - the lead scientist of the research - says this event is a "striking example of how quickly our seas can change".

He added the importance of working together with fishers, divers and coastal communities.

So, "we can better understand what's happening and plan for a future where these changes may become more frequent".