Pacific Giant Octopus – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Pacific Giant Octopus
Species Scientific Name Enteroctopus dofleini

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

Pacific giant octopuses need den cavities in rocky substrata, with access to nearby foraging areas.

Limiting factors

The availability of appropriate den sites in rocky subtidal habitat may limit octopus distribution and abundance. Survival of egg masses is an important determinant of recruitment.

Data gaps

Conduct systematic assessments of population status, abundance, and distribution.

Conservation actions

Monitor status of populations at index sites. Gather information to fill data gaps. Manage for sustainable harvest.