Food import dependency · Fishing · 17 October 2026
Defra hosts conference on rising octopus landings
Defra announced it has hosted a conference to discuss the significant rise in octopus numbers off the south-west coast. The event brought together fishermen, scientists, and managers to explore management options for the emerging fishery, which has seen landings increase from 220 tonnes to 3,700 tonnes since 2021.
Defra held a conference on 15 October to address the recent increase in octopus landings off the south-west coast of England. The event was proposed by the fishing industry and hosted by the department, bringing together fishermen, scientists, and fisheries managers. The primary aim was to explore management options for what is described as an emerging fishery, with a focus on collaboration between industry, scientific bodies, and regulators.
Figures published with the announcement indicate that octopus landings have increased significantly since 2021. Total UK vessel landings have risen by 1500%, moving from a previous annual average of 220 tonnes to the current level of 3,700 tonnes. This shift has created a new fishery for some operators while raising concerns among shellfish fishermen. Defra and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will publish a summary of the discussions held at the conference.
Mike Cohen, CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said: "They are both a threat and an opportunity for fishermen and a massive challenge for fisheries management." The department stated that future management approaches will be informed by evidence and industry experience, emphasising that collaboration is essential for managing the changing environment.
The announcement does not specify any immediate regulatory changes or new restrictions on octopus fishing. It confirms only that the summary of the conference discussions will be published and that the management process will continue to involve the relevant stakeholders.
Written by StreetOwl from Defra’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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