## 4 Discussion
### Microelements  
The main objective of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 is to ensure and guarantee that consumers are appropriately informed as regards the food they consume in order to achieve a high level of health protection [42]. According to this regulation, a product can be \"rich in (...)\", if it contains more than 15% of the nutrient reference value (NRV) or ha a \"high content in (...)\", if it contains more than 30% of an NRV in a particular nutrient. In this study, we can assess that octopuses from both origins are rich in Mg and P and have a high content of vitamin B12 and Se. Despite all values being very similar for octopus from both origins, slight differences can be seen. The samples from windward are rich in biotin and have high content of Cu, and octopus from leeward is rich in Cu. In this species, the high content of certain micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals also stands out, highlighting vitamins B8 and B12, magnesium, copper, selenium, and phosphorus. Several studies have shown that the combination of B-group vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals supports cognitive health, memory, and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases [52]. In addition, the content of Se, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, supports thyroid function [52]. In our study, the analyzed octopuses do not present any risk to human health from the sanitary point of view since all the contaminants evaluated are either absent or in an extremely low concentration and very well below the legislated limit. All not regulated parameters with non-established limits were also found in concentrations below the ones published in the bibliography [53]. These findings also reflect the good environmental condition of the Algarve coastal area. Regarding consumer acceptance, from an organoleptic point of view, both octopuses seem to offer excellent quality, with a particularly good assessment of their sensory attributes by the expert panel of tasters (Supplementary Materials). This was the first study assessing the nutritional profile of the octopus captured in Algarve small-scale fishing, a vital component of the Portuguese economy and gastronomy. The comprehensive analysis reveals that Algarve-caught octopus represents an exceptional seafood choice, characterized by its remarkable nutritional density and sustainability credentials. The species presents notable nutritional properties, characterized by elevated protein content, with high-quality, diverse mineral profiles, and important vitamins. Also, octopus contain a beneficial fatty acid composition, collectively contributing to enhanced cardiovascular health and overall physiological well-being. Our findings validate the premium market position of Algarve octopus, evidenced by its substantial first-sale average value of 7.76 EUR/kg in 2023 [7], while underscoring its crucial role in maintaining the economic vitality of Portugal's seafood sector. The integration of these nutritional findings with economic metrics reinforces the importance of preserving traditional small-scale fishing practices in the Algarve region, highlighting their dual contribution to both public health and regional economic sustainability. The supporting information regarding Organoleptic analysis can be downloaded at: [[https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app15158235/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app15158235/s1)]([https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app15158235/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app15158235/s1)). Figure S1: Sensorial attributes in frozen (general aspect/colour and odour) and thawed (external colour, odour and texture) windward octopus. Average obtained in 4 samples captured in different seasons and evaluated by testers. Figure S2: Sensorial attributes in boiled windward octopus. Average obtained in 4 samples evaluated by testers and captured in different seasons. Figure S3: Sensorial attributes in frozen (general aspect/colour and odour) and thawed (external colour, odor and texture) leeward octopus.