Distribution in Chilean waters is from Puerto Montt (41º 28’ S) to the Strait of Magellan (53º S) (Barahona et al. 2010). Nevertheless, it is postulated that distribution could reach further north (Chong et al. 2001). (Hermosilla 2004) found that there is enough differentiation between Chilean and Argentinian populations when looking at morphological characteristics, but this was not confirmed by genetic data, as populations were not different enough to be considered separately. Further research is needed on population structure (Pardo and Olguin 2018). 

This profile includes exclusively the Chilean assessment unit of the Patagonian giant octopus (pulpo del sur or pulpo rojo) fishery, not the Argentinean. 99% of landings since 1998 are caught in Los Lagos Region (Subpesca 2020), formerly known as X Region, and most studies and management are focused on that area. 

Another management regime exists in Chile, called MEABRs (Management and Exploitation Areas for Benthic Resources), but landings are minor compared to the general regime according to yearly Sernapesca's statistics reports (in the period 2012-2019 total landings were 5,465 tons and only 50 tons, 0.9%, corresponding to MEABR landings).