2025 Declared the 'Year of the Octopus' Off England's South Coast.

Record-breaking observations of a supremely intelligent sea creature this past summer have led to the declaration of 2025 as “the year of the octopus” in an annual review of Britain’s seas.

A Confluence of Factors Leading to an Explosion

A gentle winter followed by an exceptionally warm spring catalyzed unprecedented numbers of common octopuses (*Octopus vulgaris*) to take up residence along the southern coastline of England, across the southwestern peninsula.

“The reported landings was roughly over a dozen times what we would normally expect in the waters around Cornwall,” explained a marine conservation officer. “Calculating the figures, nearly a quarter of a million octopuses were found in these waters this year – representing a massive jump from what is typical.”

The Mediterranean octopus is indigenous to UK waters but typically so rare it is rarely seen. An explosive growth is attributed to a combination of gentle winter conditions and a warm breeding season. These ideal conditions meant a higher survival rate for young, possibly in part fuelled by significant populations of a favored prey species also recorded.

An Uncommon Occurrence

The last time, such an octopus proliferation of this size was observed in the 1950s, with historical records indicating the last bloom prior to that happened in 1900.

The huge numbers of octopuses meant they could be frequently seen in coastal areas for a rare occurrence. Video footage show octopuses gathering in groups – contrary to their normally lone nature – and moving along the seabed on the tips of their limbs. A curious octopus was even seen investigating an underwater camera.

“The first time I dived off the Lizard peninsula this year I saw five of these creatures,” the specialist continued. “They are large specimens. Two kinds exist in UK waters. The curled octopus is smaller, football-sized, but the *Octopus vulgaris* can be reaching impressive sizes.”

Looking Ahead & Coastal Highlights

If conditions remain mild heading into next year could lead to a repeat event next year, because based on records, with such patterns, the blooms have repeated for two years in a row.

“However, it is unlikely, based on past events, that it will go on for a long time,” they said. “Marine life is unpredictable currently so it’s a very uncertain scenario.”

The annual review also highlighted other “surprises, successes and joyful moments” around the UK coastline, including:

• Highest-ever counts of gray seals seen in one northern region.
• Exceptional populations of puffins on an island off Wales.
• The first recording of a rare sea slug in a northern county, normally residing farther south.
• A variable blenny found off the coast of Sussex for the first time.

Not All Positive News

The year had its low points, however. “The period was framed by marine incidents,” stated an expert. “A major tanker collision in the North Sea and the release of plastic pollution off the southern coast highlighted ongoing threats. Conservation teams are making huge efforts to defend and heal our marine habitats.”