Environmental assessment of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from a small-scale fishery in Algarve (Portugal)

Abstract Purpose Common octopus is the fishing species with highest economic revenue in Portugal, and its consumption per capita very high. The majority of catches come from small-scale fleet pots traps. aims were to assess main environmental impacts common octopus’ fishery traps Algarve region, where most important size landings volume occurs, find if there are significant differences between both gears. Methods assessment includes standard LCA impact categories, fishery-specific quantification macroplastics microplastics emitted environment. functional unit selected was 1 kg study a ‘cradle gate’ system. scope included operations until product landed at harbour. Primary data obtained by face-to-face questionnaires 22 vessels, an average 1005 1211 vessel, 372 234 lost annually Plastic have concrete block metal framed covered plastic netting. Each trap or pot connected line regular intervals. Unlike traps, do not need bait. Results discussion Fuel contribution global warming high potential exists lower down carbon footprint. fuel use intensity resulted 0.9 L/kg octopus. bait used raises further costs related consumption. represents more than two times found for all categories studied except ecotoxicity categories. Zinc contributor but it has been other studies. It estimated that 12.2 g plastics environment loss gears contributor. Conclusions footprint 3.1 CO 2 eq octopus, being compared seafood products, less half caught trawling. Pots highly selective gears, causing negligible disturbance seafloor. stock assessed, management measures exist can be improved. A drawback