AN octopus invasion is wiping out shellfish in British waters — threatening the livelihoods of dozens of fishermen.
More than 400 tons of the creatures — five times the average — were landed in one month last year.
Shifting sea currents and warming temperatures are said to be pushing the cephalopods north from France and the Channel Islands.
They are devouring brown crab, lobster and scallops from the South West’s fisheries, with marine experts warning of an ecological and economic crisis.
In Plymouth, council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is a crisis for our local community. It’s a long-term challenge that demands a long-term fix.”
Crab fisherman Brian Tapper said his business was no longer financially viable.
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He added: “We used to have a ton of crab a day but have not had a ton all year. The crew have left because there is no income.
“The octopus eat everything in sight. They are like locusts.”
While some fishermen have sold their octopus catches, brown crab and king crab catches dropped by a half and lobsters by a third.
The Marine Biological Association has warned that the bloom is “the most impactful one in a century”.
It added: “If conditions persist, octopus blooms could become a more regular feature of our changing seas.”
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