The initial army of 130,000 baby octopuses is just the start. As scientists breed more in the lab, more will be released into the sea.
Alessio Mammi, who is in charge of agriculture and fisheries for Emilia-Romagna, said: “The blue crab is not just an invasive species, it represents one of the most serious crises to have hit our waters.”
In some areas, the crabs had destroyed 70 per cent of clam production, he said, adding: “Saving the fishing sector is an urgent priority for us.”
It is not yet certain that the octopus army will be effective – not least because the hatchlings have a mortality rate of about 99 per cent.
Experts insist they can still have a formidable impact.
Dr Mordenti said:“If a single octopus eats a female blue crab, you need to remember that the crab could have produced 1.5 million eggs, even two million.”