Dog that hunts invasive 'sea vomit' honoured as animal of the year
A black labrador named Sgiath has been named animal of the year for her work in detecting an invasive marine species known as 'sea vomit'. Trained by her owner, Dr. Texa Sim, the dog helps identify and control the spread of the carpet sea squirt in Scottish coastal waters.
Why it matters
This highlights the innovative use of canine scent detection in marine conservation to protect native biodiversity from invasive organisms.
Image source, Dr Texa Sim Image caption, Marine ecology dog Sgiath at work
A working dog from the Scottish Highlands has been named animal of the year by a charity for hunting down an invasive marine creature called the carpet sea squirt.
This organism, also nicknamed "sea vomit", is particularly harmful to coastal wildlife and economies.
Working at low tide with her owner, Dr Texa Sim, black labrador Sgiath has found hundreds of colonies of the sea squirt, which - if left uncontrolled - can smother and kill native species.
Sgiath is thought to be the UK's first sea squirt-hunting dog.
Image source, Dr Texa Sim Image caption, Carpet sea squirt can be tricky to spot among seaweed
The marine ecologist, who is based near Glencoe, has had her dog since she was a puppy and the bond btween the two is strong.
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