This study uses artificial dens placed in San Diego coastal habitats to encourage octopus occupancy and create localized populations that can be monitored over time. By comparing areas with and without artificial dens, the project examines how increased octopus presence influences prey communities, habitat use, den-associated activity, and surrounding benthic community structure. Repeated surveys allow researchers to track colonization, occupancy, feeding remains, and changes in nearby invertebrate assemblages, providing insight into how octopuses may modify habitat conditions and shape local ecological interactions.