The study and preservation of cephalopods with CephsInAction
With their alien-like appearance and impressive cognitive abilities, cephalopods are truly unique. Among other features, these animals have been studied for their remarkable abilities to regenerate tissues, to learn from each other, and to use tools. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Cephalopods are inspiring creatures for scientists and public and they have the potential to teach us so much. In this article, Dr Giovanna Ponte, Chair of the COST Action CephsInAction, will share her insights into the world of octopuses, their significance, the importance of preserving these amazing creatures, and why she can no longer eat octopus
COST: What inspired you to study cephalopods?
In my early research career, I studied fruit, primarily kiwi. However, studying neuromodulators in octopuses introduced me to a whole new world of fascinating creatures with individual personalities and behaviors. It’s incredible how octopuses can regenerate all eight arms along with the corresponding tissue, despite their relatively short lifespan of about two years. Octopus vulgaris, the most common species in the Mediterranean and in other seas and oceans, live typically solitary lives, so it’s all the more remarkable that they can learn from each other and exhibit problem-solving skills. We’re currently investigating the presence of mirror neurons in octopuses and have obtained some promising results.
COST: Have you tried to communicate with octopus, like in the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher?
The documentary My Octopus Teacher depicted a relationship between a man and a female octopus that resembled my own experiences in the lab. One day, a circus performer from Switzerland visited our laboratory. She was hoping to stage a show, and for that purpose wanted to receive some training on how to best work with octopuses. She was impressed by the animals and more importantly by a sort of ‘personal’ relationship she had managed to establish with some of them! They seemed to recognise her, as every day they greeted her with a specific “good morning” sign.
COST: How can the study of cephalopods contribute to scientific advancement in the fields of neuroscience and genetics?
These animals, despite being very different from us, have played a role since the early days of physiology and neuroscience. The first studies, on the identification of the giant axon in squid, led to Nobel Prize-winning research for the identification of action potential in neurons and the underlying ionic mechanisms. In terms of genomics, the complete genome of Octopus vulgaris is not yet available, but ongoing work within the EU project EASI-genomics has already produced surprising results. For instance, the discovery of transposable genes in invertebrates, including octopuses, suggests that there may be similarities in evolutionary processes between invertebrates and mammals.
In their Nobel Prize-winning work uncovering the ionic mechanism of action potentials, Alan Hodgkin and Andrew Huxley performed experiments on the squid giant axon, using the longfin inshore squid as the model organism
COST: What role do cephalopods play in ocean ecosystems and why is it important to protect them?
They are all predators. Because of their short lifespan, of about two years for some octopuses, they grow rapidly and respond quickly to environmental changes. As they are present in all seas and oceans, they can be used as indicators of the state of ocean ecosystems. Additionally, they help us understand biological plasticity and adaptive capacities. Finally, from the last century, cephalopods have become a growing component of global fisheries.
COST: Has the CephsInActionCOST Action had any impact on the way fishermen treat cephalopods?
Yes. As part of the Action, we included researchers in fisheries and aquaculture and attempted to merge different communities. Recently, we were exploring the idea of creating a training programme for fishermen on how to handle these animals properly, from their capturing to their slaughter. However, this is a challenging task as each species of cephalopod has a unique shape and so requires a different method for stunning and humane killing. Nonetheless, CephsInAction produced guidelines for the care and welfare of these animals, which included guidelines for humane killing of cephalopods for scientific purposes. Although, changing the behaviour of fishermen and, more importantly, consumers is a slow process, it is very rewarding.
“Cephalopods are our companions on this planet. We must protect them because of their beauty, sentience, and remarkable intelligence that have inspired art and literature. We still have so much to learn from them”.
Dr Giovanna Ponte
COST: Do you eat octopus?
Not anymore. Previously, I worked a lot on exploring the use of octopus arm as a model for robotics. After that I could not bear to see an octopus arm on a plate. I prefer to touch them in a different way. It became a love relationship between me and octopuses. For me they are just like pets.
COST: What were the Action’s major findings and achievements?
CephsInAction helped create an agreement on the regulated use of cephalopods in research. Our efforts to change public policy and scientific views on cephalopods have become a reference for others. This change has positively affected animal welfare and ethics, not only in the EU (where cephalopods are the only invertebrates regulated by Directive 2010/63/EU) but also in other countries such as the USA, Japan, and South America. Our COST Action contributed to the development of guidance documents and legal rules for the revision of this EU Directive. We promoted the integration of different research approaches to basic research, fisheries, and aquaculture, which has never been done before. We have encouraged the use of non-invasive approaches to study cephalopods, thereby reducing the animals’ discomfort during research. Finally, the Action has also developed helpful tools such as dissection guides and atlases for the scientific community to facilitate cephalopod research.
COST: What has the network been up to since the end of CephsInAction?
We maintained and expanded our network, which now includes organisations such as the European Commission, the NIH Office, and various charities. For example, we have received support from FELASA, which is collaborating with us to create guidelines for the care and welfare of cephalopods in research, as well as standards for housing, capturing and transporting live cephalopods. Additionally, we are working on developing recommendations for humane killing. Finally, we are continuing our efforts at all levels, including seeking grants and integrating different areas of expertise into a coordinated effort.
In conclusion, the study and preservation of cephalopods is key for the continued advancement of our understanding of the world around us.
