Sir, - In view of Kevin O'Sullivan's article (May 5th) on lobster stocks, he may or may not be interested to know that the octopus population in Irish coastal waters is rising rapidly. On many recent dives in south west Donegal, not only have I seen mature male octopi and many immature specimens, but also many clumps of octopus eggs. I have dived there for seven years and have not seen such numbers.
The relationship between the two is somewhat akin to foxes and rabbits, with baby lobsters being eaten by the spiraling octopus stocks. However, the lobsters unlike the unfortunate rabbits can fight back and do eat the baby octopi when presented with the chance. Needless to say, the effect that these have on each other is neglible and the real problem is over fishing and the taking of females. - Yours etc.,
University St., Belfast BT7.