This is according to the council of Olhão in the Algarve, where scientific research in the field is being coordinated.

The Transpolvo project is in its final test phase at the Olhão Pilot Station, the largest such facility in Portugal, amid evidence of significant interest from importers in Japan and other Asian countries in live octopus for sale in their local markets.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has carried out several simulations transporting live octopus at high densities and low temperatures over 48 hours “with satisfactory results”.