A black Labrador named Sgiath from the Scottish Highlands has been honored as Animal of the Year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for her role in locating the invasive carpet sea squirt, also known as "sea vomit." This species is detrimental to coastal ecosystems and economies. Under the guidance of her owner, Dr. Texa Sim, Sgiath has successfully identified hundreds of colonies of this marine organism during low tide.
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Sgiath, believed to be the UK's first sea squirt-hunting dog, has been part of Dr. Sim's life since she was a puppy. Dr. Sim, a marine ecologist based near Glencoe, expressed pride in Sgiath’s natural abilities. "She’s a natural," Sim said, highlighting the dog’s keen problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Initially trained as a mountain rescue dog, Sgiath's training has since expanded to environmental conservation. She recognizes the scent of the carpet sea squirt and assists Dr. Sim in surveying beaches for the invader, which blends into its surroundings and resembles slime among seaweed.
Dr. Sim noted that when she began this project, she was unsure if using dogs to combat marine invasive species would be effective. The project, which started as a proof-of-concept, has surpassed her expectations. Sgiath's ability to locate the sea squirt, formally known as Didemnum vexillum, has proven crucial, especially since the species can outcompete native wildlife for nutrients and obstruct aquaculture infrastructure.
Carpet sea squirt arrived in the UK from Japan in 2008 and has rapidly spread to various coastal areas, capable of reproducing quickly during warmer months. Dr. Martyn Kurr, a marine biologist, mentioned that controlling these invaders incurs significant costs across Europe.
Sgiath's training for both mountain rescue and marine conservation represents a culmination of effort between her and Dr. Sim. While she is trained to bark and signal for lost hikers, her conservation work demands a quieter approach, employing a method known as "passive indication" to alert Dr. Sim when she finds a sea squirt.
When not engaged in her investigative duties, Sgiath enjoys relaxing at home, wrapped in her dog blanket. Kurr emphasized the potential role of trained dogs in detecting marine invasions, stating, "It's fantastic to see Sgiath receive this well-deserved award, and I’m excited about the future work we can do with sniffer dogs."