The octopus fishery is important for the socioeconomic development of Mauritania. However, in recent times the fishery has been declining. To enhance sustainable octopus management and tap maximum economic benefits, we analysed catches and flow of artisanal octopus fishery, fishing effort, employment, and income of octopus fishers. We used data provided by the Artisanal and Coastal Fisheries Monitoring System database collected along the coastline by the Mauritanian Institute of Oceanographic Research and Fisheries surveyors. The data on the operating costs of pirogues came from one-off surveys carried out by the Laboratory of Social and Economic Studies. Our findings show that octopus production increased from 14 thousand tonnes in 2006 to 33 thousand tonnes in 2018. In 2019, octopus landings reached a record level of 55 thousand tonnes before falling sharply to 29 thousand tonnes in 2020. Octopus production reached 27 thousand tonnes in 2021, 25 thousand tonnes in 2022 and 26 thousand tonnes in 2023. The total value of octopus production rose from MRU 411 million in 2006 to MRU 4.02 billion in 2019, before dropping dramatically to MRU 1.01 billion in 2020, MRU 952 million in 2021, MRU 892 million in 2022 and 920 million in 2023. The artisanal pirogues provide the bulk of octopus production, which is exported exclusively to Europe and Asia. Around 22,000 tonnes are frozen, 1,000 tonnes undergo industrial processing, and over 24,000 tonnes are exported, bringing in foreign currency for the Mauritanian economy. We recommend a reduction in fishing effort and improvement in policies to sustain the octopus fishery. Additionally, there should be professional training for artisanal fishermen in fishing techniques to reduce overcapacity in octopus fishing, which will enable fishermen to switch to other fishing techniques and target other fish species.