The Transpolvo project is reportedly in its final test phase at the Olhão Pilot Pisciculture Station, the largest such facility in Portugal, amid evidence of significant interest on the part of 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 of transporting live octopus at high densities (more than 100g per cubic metre) and low temperatures (less than 10º Celsius) lasting 48 hours.
In a statement, Olhão council said the results had been “satisfactory”, which means that “this transport can be carried out.”
A council official told Lusa News Agency that the final validation of this experimental phase is to be followed by another in which economic agents will be able to start trade in the octopus.
The project is also backed by Docapesca, which manages fishing ports and wholesale fish markets across Portugal, the marine sciences centre of the University of the Algarve, the non-profit organisation Armalgarve Polvo, and local associations representing fishing-boat owners and fishermen.