The short version
- Sgiath, a black Labrador from the Scottish Highlands, was named animal of the year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare for her work detecting invasive carpet sea squirts.
- The marine organism, which arrived in the UK in 2008 and threatens native wildlife and aquaculture infrastructure, is difficult to spot visually but can be identified by scent.
- Experts note that using dogs for marine conservation is an emerging field, with potential applications for tracking other biofouling species that cause millions of pounds in annual cleanup costs.
A black Labrador named Sgiath has been designated animal of the year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, marking a significant moment for canine-assisted marine conservation. The six-year-old dog, based in the Scottish Highlands near Glencoe, works alongside her owner, Dr. Texa Sim, to locate colonies of carpet sea squirt, an invasive marine organism that poses serious risks to coastal ecosystems and local economies. This recognition underscores a growing interest in adapting scent-detection techniques, traditionally used on land, to underwater environments where visual identification is often hindered by seaweed and murky conditions.
Carpet sea squirt, formally known as Didemnum vexillum and colloquially referred to as sea vomit, is believed to have originated in Japan before appearing on the shores of southern England and Wales in 2008. Since its arrival, the species has spread to various seaside locations across the United Kingdom. The organism reproduces rapidly during warmer summer months, raising concerns among marine biologists that rising sea temperatures could facilitate further expansion. Its ability to smother native species makes it a priority target for removal efforts, particularly in areas where biodiversity is already under pressure.
The challenge of managing this invasive species lies in its elusive nature. Carpet sea squirts can appear in shades ranging from orange to cream and often blend in with surrounding seaweed or attach to structures such as pontoons and oyster cages. This camouflage makes manual surveys labor-intensive and prone to error. Dr. Sim, a marine ecologist, initially approached the project as a proof-of-concept experiment, uncertain whether a dog could effectively detect the scent of the organism in a tidal environment. The success of Sgiath’s work has exceeded early expectations, demonstrating that dogs can pinpoint exact locations with high accuracy.
Sgiath was originally trained for mountain rescue operations, a role that requires her to bark and move energetically to draw attention to lost hikers. Adapting these skills for marine conservation required a different approach. Dr. Sim retrained the dog to provide a passive indication when she detects carpet sea squirt. Instead of barking, Sgiath freezes or stares intently at the location of the organism. This subtle behavior allows researchers to locate the invasive species without disturbing the surrounding environment or alerting other wildlife. The transition from high-energy rescue work to quiet detection tasks demanded extensive training and patience from both the dog and her handler.
The broader implications of this work extend beyond a single award. Marine experts note that biofouling species like carpet sea squirt can outcompete native wildlife for essential nutrients, disrupting local food webs. Additionally, these organisms clog aquaculture pens, marine infrastructure, and machinery such as boat propellers, resulting in millions of pounds in annual cleanup costs across Europe. By identifying infestations early, detection dogs like Sgiath can help reduce the economic burden on coastal communities and protect native species from being overwhelmed by invasive competitors.
Dr. Martyn Kurr, a marine biologist at Bangor University, highlighted the potential for expanding this type of work. He noted that scientists are only beginning to understand how dogs can smell changes in water that signal marine invasions which might otherwise go unnoticed. The success of Sgiath’s project suggests that sniffer dogs could play a larger role in monitoring and managing biofouling threats in the future. Kurr expressed excitement about the possibilities for collaboration between researchers and working dogs, emphasizing the value of these animals in addressing complex environmental challenges.
The bond between Dr. Sim and Sgiath is central to their success. Having owned the dog since she was a puppy, Dr. Sim has observed her problem-solving abilities and quick learning capacity firsthand. Sgiath’s younger sibling, Uisage, is also a working Labrador, driven by treats and play during training sessions. When not engaged in fieldwork, both dogs enjoy resting at home, wrapped in blankets. This personal connection underscores the dedication required to maintain high-performance working animals, balancing rigorous training with care for their well-being.
The award ceremony took place on October 15, 2026, as part of the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s 26th annual Animal Action Awards. While Sgiath is considered the first dog in the UK specifically trained to hunt carpet sea squirts, her work represents a broader trend in conservation science. As climate change continues to alter marine environments, innovative solutions like canine detection teams may become increasingly important tools for protecting coastal biodiversity and managing invasive species effectively.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Dog that hunts invasive 'sea vomit' honoured as animal of the year
