Octopus Intelligence
from 01/10/2024
Octopus Intelligence invites all interested divers and snorkelers to explore the fascinating lives of wild octopuses in the Northern Adriatic Sea. These animals are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and mystery—but surprisingly little is known about their behavior in the wild.
The aim of this project is to document sightings of octopuses to gain insights into their distribution, habitat preferences, and behaviors. For many underwater enthusiasts, an octopus encounter is a highlight—this project turns such moments into meaningful contributions to science.
Participation is easy: Anyone who spots an octopus while diving or snorkeling can capture the encounter with a photo or video, record the location (e.g., via GPS or a map), and send the data to the project team. The result is a growing open-access dataset that helps support scientific research and marine conservation.
Aim
The goal of Octopus Intelligence is to systematically collect data on the distribution, habitat preferences, population sizes, and behaviors of wild octopuses in the Northern Adriatic Sea.
Because octopuses are elusive and hide in diverse environments, many individual observations are necessary to create a reliable picture. This project relies on the power of collective observation to generate knowledge that benefits both science and conservation efforts, such as the creation or support of marine protected areas.
How to participate
Joining the project is simple:
- Go diving or snorkeling in the Northern Adriatic region.
- Look for octopuses.
- Take photos or videos without disturbing the animals.
- Record the location—preferably using GPS, map coordinates, or a detailed description.
- Send your data via email or social media to the project team.
Detailed instructions and examples are available on the project website.
Feedback, questions, and new ideas are always welcome.
Thank you very much for your assistance and continued support.
Needed equipment
To participate, you’ll need:
- Your own diving or snorkeling gear (e.g., mask, fins, wetsuit, dive computer)
- An underwater camera (e.g., GoPro, waterproof smartphone, compact camera)
- A way to determine the location, such as a GPS device, smartphone, or map
- Internet access to submit your observations via email or social media
Additionally, a respectful attitude toward the marine environment is highly encouraged. Please avoid touching marine life, using bright flashes, or causing stress to animals. The goal is to document natural behavior without interference.
Created March 25, 2025, 9:39 a.m.
Updated May 21, 2025, 7:21 a.m.