Octopuses causing significant damage, experts warn

The increasing presence of octopuses in local waters is significantly affecting the shellfish industry in both Jersey and Guernsey, according to a local fishing merchant.

Nathalie Porritt, manager of Aqua-Mar Fisheries, recently addressed a marine resources panel about the issue, highlighting that the rise in octopus numbers became evident last year. The octopuses are causing extensive damage to the local catch, including lobsters, crabs, and scallops.

Despite hopes that colder weather might push the octopuses back to warmer waters, they have remained a persistent problem. Guernsey is experiencing a particularly severe impact, though Jersey is also affected.

With the shellfish industry already struggling, Porritt noted that the octopus issue is only exacerbating the difficulties faced by local fishermen. In addition to damaging the catch, octopuses are becoming trapped in lobster and crab pots as they attempt to feed, and although they are not specifically targeted, they are being caught as by-catch.