Italy has released 130,000 baby common octopuses off parts of the Adriatic coast to help control invasive blue crabs. The crabs, which lack sufficient natural predators, have damaged fishing equipment and shellfish stocks, creating serious pressure for fishermen and aquaculture businesses.

The Octo-Blu project is focused initially on Riccione and Cesenatico in Emilia-Romagna, with possible expansion across the Mediterranean. Scientists expect mature octopuses could eat up to four crabs daily; blue crabs have reportedly caused about £170 million in damage and cut clam production by 70% in some areas, while authorities are also encouraging people to eat them.