NEWPORT — The Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center is looking for a new greeter with a friendly disposition — and eight tentacled arms.

Ada, the giant Pacific octopus who has greeted and entertained visitors for almost a year, is ready for release to the ocean — past due, in fact.

But the Hatfield Center has no viable replacement. A baby octopus housed in the back holding area is still much too tiny for the visitor wing tank.

Local crab fishermen are the main source of most of the octopuses the center puts on display, capturing the eight-legged poachers in their pots and saving them specifically for the center.

Aquarist Michael Liu said the center missed an opportunity last week, when a fisherman stopped by with two octopuses and a new volunteer — unaware of the need — turned them down.

“We need a small octopus between five and 15 pounds,” Liu added.

How long an octopus stays at the center depends on a number of factors, including how quickly it grows and matures. An ideal stay is six months, Liu said.

Aquarists then release the octopus into the ocean, where it can find a mate and live out its remaining days in a natural environment.

Anyone who lands a giant Pacific octopus and wants to donate it to the center as its next living mascot should call Liu at 541-270-0956 or stop by the science center at 2030 S.E. Marine Science Drive in Newport.