A black labrador from the Scottish Highlands, Sgiath, has been named Animal of the Year by a charity for her role in hunting an invasive marine creature. The organism, known as the carpet sea squirt or "sea vomit", is harmful to coastal wildlife and economies.
Working with her owner, marine ecologist Dr Texa Sim, Sgiath has located hundreds of colonies of the sea squirt. If left unchecked, the carpet sea squirt can smother and kill native species.
Sgiath, a six-year-old dog, was initially trained for mountain rescue before Dr Sim explored using her scent detection skills for marine conservation. Dr Sim stated that Sgiath is always accurate in pointing out the sea squirt, which can be difficult for humans to spot.
Marine experts believe the carpet sea squirt, formally named Didemnum vexillum, originated in Japan and arrived in the south of England and Wales in 2008. It has since spread to several UK coastal locations and reproduces quickly in warmer months, raising concerns about further spread with warming seas.
Dr Martyn Kurr, a marine biologist from Bangor University, noted that non-native species like the carpet sea squirt can outcompete native wildlife for nutrients and clog up aquaculture pens and marine infrastructure. Controlling these invaders costs millions of pounds annually across Europe.