2025 Hailed as the 'Year of the Octopus' Off Britain's Southern Shores.

Exceptionally high observations of one of the world's most intelligent invertebrates during the summer season have prompted the naming of 2025 as the octopus's year in a yearly report of Britain’s seas.

A Perfect Storm Leading to an Explosion

A gentle winter and then a remarkably hot spring triggered unprecedented numbers of *Octopus vulgaris* to take up residence along England’s south coast, across the southwestern peninsula.

“The reported landings was of the order of about 13 times what we would normally expect in this region,” explained an ocean conservation expert. “Calculating the figures, nearly a quarter of a million octopuses were found in these waters this year – which is a significant rise from the norm.”

*Octopus vulgaris* is found in British seas but usually so scarce it is rarely seen. A population bloom is caused by a combination of gentle winter conditions and favorable spring temperatures. This perfect scenario meant increased juvenile survival, possibly in part fuelled by large numbers of spider crabs noted in recent years.

A Historic Event

The most recent occasion, an octopus bloom of this size was observed in 1950, with historical records indicating the last bloom prior to that was in 1900.

The huge numbers of octopuses meant they could be easily spotted in coastal areas for a rare occurrence. Diver videos show octopuses congregating together – unlike their typical solitary behavior – and “walking” along the seabed on their arm ends. One individual was even seen investigating a diver's camera.

“On my initial dive there this year I saw five of these creatures,” the officer added. “And these are big. There are two types in the region. The curled octopus is quite small, the size of a ball, but the *Octopus vulgaris* can be up to a metre and a half wide.”

Predictions and Marine Joy

Another mild winter going into 2026 could lead to another surge next year, because historically, in similar situations, populations have surged again for two years running.

“However, it is unlikely, based on past events, that it will become a permanent fixture,” they cautioned. “Marine life is unpredictable currently so it’s quite an unpredictable situation.”

The annual review also highlighted further encouraging coastal sightings across British shores, including:

• A record number of gray seals recorded in Cumbria.
• Record numbers of puffins on Skomer.
• The first recording of an unusual mollusc in Yorkshire, usually found in the south-west.
• A variable blenny discovered off the coast of a southern county for the first occasion.

A Note of Caution

The year had its low points, however. “The calendar year was marked by environmental disasters,” noted a conservation leader. “A major tanker collision in the North Sea and the release of plastic pollution off the southern coast served as stark reminders. Dedicated individuals are putting in immense work to protect and restore our shorelines.”