Story perspectives
Octopus Boom in Brixham Threatens Local Shellfish Industry
9/29/2025
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Story summary
- Octopus catches surge in Brixham; Arthur Dewhirst earns up to £10,000 weekly.
- Marine biologist Steve Simpson links the boom to warming waters favoring Mediterranean octopus.
- Brixham Trawler Agents report 12,000 tons sold January–August, including a 48-ton day.
- Octopuses, voracious predators, threaten crab and lobster populations, prompting shellfishermen concerns.
- Jon Dornom reports empty lobster pots, fearing future catches will suffer.
