Common octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Overview
Octopus sustainability varies and needs significant improvement. Avoid all octopus caught in British waters. There is not enough information on populations here and no real controls on fishing to protect them. The better choice is common octopus from the Bay of Biscay, but even here there are concerns over fishing controls.
Ratings
Showing 6 results for Common octopus
Best Choice
Best Choice
This seafood has been sustainably caught or responsibly farmed.
OK - Needs Improvement
OK - Needs Improvement
An ok choice, but needs improvement. We recommend seeking alternatives where possible.
Wild-caught
Location: Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters
Management area: All areas
Method: Bottom trawl (otter)
More infoWild-caught
Location: Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters
Management area: All areas
Method: Pot, trap or creel
More infoWild-caught
Location: Cornwall
Management area: All areas
Method: Bottom trawl (beam), Bottom trawl (otter), Pot, trap or creel
More infoAvoid
Avoid
We recommend avoiding these options as they have significant environmental concerns.
Wild-caught
Location: Cantabrian Sea and Atlantic Iberian waters
Management area: All areas
Method: Bottom trawl (beam)
More infoWild-caught
Location: UK
Management area: UK EEZ (except Cornwall)
Method: Bottom trawl (beam)
More infoWild-caught
Location: UK
Management area: UK EEZ (except Cornwall)
Method: Bottom trawl (otter)
More infoUnder review
Under review
These ratings are currently being reviewed.
Sustainable swaps
Common octopus
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