Octopus Love - Perhaps the most charismatic inhabitants of the sea

Short Octopus Greeting

When I met my husband, I simultaneously discovered the sea. Originally from Germany, my prior understanding of the Mediterranean was limited to sunbathing on sandy beaches and cooling off in the water. In contrast, my husband grew up on the coast and harbors a genuine passion for the sea and its inhabitants. He is familiar with all the species and characteristics of the Mediterranean, and he pursues his hobbies of sailing and spearfishing with the utmost respect for wildlife. His fishing endeavors are confined to unrestricted areas, and any caught fish is invariably savored. According to his belief, it is beneficial to catch fish individually and respectfully, considering that industrial fishing often entails considerable bycatch.

One species my husband would never touch, however, is octopuses. Despite their excellent taste, these creatures are sacred to him. They are rightfully regarded as extremely endearing and intelligent. My husband catches them with his bare hands, calms them first, and then spends a brief moment with them. Once they understand that he poses no threat, octopuses willingly stay close to him. Occasionally, he brings them to us briefly, allowing the children to gently interact before promptly returning the creatures to their aquatic habitat. This way, he imparts his passion for these fascinating creatures to the children and simultaneously teaches them to treat them with respect.

In fact, octopuses in the Mediterranean hold significant ecological importance. However, their populations are threatened by factors such as overfishing, habitat changes, and environmental pollution. Some countries have introduced specific fishing restrictions and methods to protect the populations and promote sustainable fishing practices. Responsible behavior is crucial to ensure that the ecosystems of the Mediterranean remain balanced, preserving biodiversity.

Note: My husband is an experienced fisherman, and not everyone can safely retrieve an octopus from the water. They have a beak beneath their body (similar to that of a parrot), which can be particularly dangerous, especially in mature specimens.