Octopus Intelligence

Do you love diving or snorkeling? Then become part of marine research! Octopus Intelligence invites you to observe wild octopuses in the Northern Adriatic Sea and document your sightings. Every observation helps to learn more about these fascinating animals and their habitat. 

What are the aims of the project?

The citizen science project Octopus Intelligence studies octopuses in the Northern Adriatic. The goal: to find out where octopuses occur, at what depths they live, how large the populations are, and how these animals behave in the wild. Octopuses are considered intelligent, adaptable, and popular – yet their behavior and distribution are still poorly understood. The project collects sightings from divers and snorkelers to expand this knowledge. The data helps to better understand octopuses and their habitats – a crucial foundation for their protection. At the same time, the project raises awareness for respectful interaction with the marine environment and its inhabitants and supports initiatives such as marine protected areas. Encountering an octopus is a highlight for many underwater enthusiasts – and through this project, it also becomes a valuable scientific contribution. 

How can you participate in research?

It’s easy to participate: while diving or snorkeling in the Northern Adriatic, observe an octopus. Take photos or videos of the sighting. Document the location as precisely as possible – ideally with GPS coordinates, a map marking, or a detailed description. Send your observations to the project team via email or social media. You’ll find detailed instructions and examples on the project website. Respect for the marine environment is very important to us: please avoid touching wildlife, using flashlights, or causing unnecessary stress. The goal is to document the animals’ behavior in their natural habitat with as little interference as possible. Feedback, questions, and your own ideas are always welcome. 

Pictures

• CC BY 4.0 Daniel Kalysch CC BY 4.0 Daniel Kalysch
• CC BY 4.0 Selina Ernst CC BY 4.0 Selina Ernst
• CC BY 4.0 Selina Ernst CC BY 4.0 Selina Ernst
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