The legacy of “Olive,” a well-known, beloved Giant Pacific Octopus who lived in Puget Sound at Des Moines’ Redondo Beach, lives on thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the local dive community, which rallied to ensure her 100,000 eggs hatched successfully after her death.

From July to December of 2024, divers documented her extraordinary story on video and through photographs, revealing a tale of resilience, teamwork, and the miraculous birth of her hatchlings.

A documentary video they recorded (see below) captures Olive’s journey and the incredible efforts of volunteer divers, photographers, and ocean advocates who ensured her legacy lived on.

With a gestation period lasting 6 to 10 months, Olive’s eggs required constant oxygenation—a task the divers took on with care and precision.

And sadly, octopuses are “semelparous,” meaning they reproduce once and then die.

The video includes macro footage of the tiny hatchlings emerging, releasing a new generation of Giant Pacific Octopuses into the vibrant marine ecosystem at Redondo Beach.

“We couldn’t stand by and let Olive’s legacy fade,” diver Jess said. “Seeing those tiny octopuses hatch, no bigger than grains of rice, was an unforgettable moment.”

It also highlights stunning underwater life like Ruby Red Octopuses, Pipefish, and more from the Puget Sound.

“I don’t actually have any kids, but I feel like an octopus mom because I was lucky enough to actually help some of those little baby octos hatch,” Jess added.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone curious about life beneath the waves, this video is a powerful reminder of what humans can accomplish together to protect and cherish our oceans and their residents.

“This story is not just about marine biology – it’s about a community coming together to support the fragile balance of life in our oceans,” diver Mark Hitchcock told The Waterland Blog. “It’s a call to action for more people to join in conservation efforts and appreciate the wonder of the underwater world.”

Video

Below is the video documenting Olive’s journey (be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel here):

YouTube player

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