Italian researchers deploy thousands of octopus larvae to combat invasive blue crabs in the Adriatic

Researchers from the University of Bologna released 130,000 common octopus paralarvae into the Adriatic Sea to bolster native populations that prey on invasive blue crabs. The crabs have surged in the Mediterranean over the past decade, harming biodiversity and closing hundreds of fisheries. Adult octopuses can consume up to four medium-sized blue crabs daily, offering a natural control measure.