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Octopus invasion threatens Scottish lobster trade. |
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Tuesday, 05 August 2008 |
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Fishermen along the west coast are reportedly catching hundreds of octopus, usually found in the mediterranean, on a daily basis.
As octopus can reach the same price as cod, so some are taking advantage of the Continental market and are selling their catch. Others remain concerned over the effect upon lobster stocks and bait.
Secretary of the Western Isles Fishermen's Association, Duncan MacInnes stressed the dangers this unexpected surge in the number of octopus is having for the lobster trade:
"With its tentacles, an octopus can suffocate a lobster. We're losing as many as 40 a day."
Rising sea temperatures are thought to be encouraging the creatures north of their usual home in southern Europe to the Scottish waters.
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