In a remarkable achievement for marine conservation, a black Labrador named Sgiath has been recognised as the “Animal of the Year” by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The six-year-old dog, hailing from the Scottish Highlands, is being celebrated for her unique ability to detect an invasive marine species known as the carpet sea squirt, colloquially referred to as “sea vomit.”
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Sgiath’s owner, Dr. Texa Sim, a marine ecologist, has dedicated time to training the Labrador to identify this marine organism by its scent, an accomplishment that is believed to have never been achieved before in a canine. Traditionally, the carpet sea squirt poses a serious threat by rapidly spreading in harbours and potentially choking native aquatic life. As a result, it often requires complex laboratory testing for accurate identification—until now.
The sea squirt, known for its jelly-like appearance reminiscent of slime, can often go unnoticed as it attaches itself to seaweed and various marine structures, including pontoons and oyster cages. Sgiath’s exceptional olfactory skills allow her to pinpoint this invasive species with remarkable accuracy, proving her training to be effective.
Reflecting on the initial training sessions, Dr. Sim expressed astonishment when Sgiath successfully identified the carpet sea squirt amidst a variety of other scents. “The first time I asked her to identify the target species, she immediately went straight to it. That was the moment I thought, ‘Maybe this is actually going to work,’” she remarked. This early success inspired Dr. Sim to further enhance Sgiath’s abilities.
Sgiath’s motivation comes from her love of food, which is a crucial reward system during her training sessions. Described as a “greedy dog,” she thrives on the treats offered as a reward after each successful search. Currently, Dr. Sim is extending her efforts by training another Labrador named Uisge, who is just three years old, to assist Sgiath in her ongoing work.
Dogs have historically been trained to detect invasive species in terrestrial environments, but Dr. Sim has pioneered a new frontier by applying this technique in marine settings. “The dogs constantly surprise me,” she stated. “Every time I think I’ve found the limit of what they’re capable of, they show me I was wrong. Their ability to detect incredibly low concentrations of scent is just phenomenal.”
The carpet sea squirt is thought to have originated from Japan, first appearing in England and Wales in 2008. Its spread has raised significant concern among marine conservationists, who now see the potential for trained detection dogs like Sgiath to revolutionise efforts to manage and mitigate its impact.
Dr. Sim’s receipt of the IFAW Animal of the Year award was unexpected and deeply appreciated, reflecting her commitment to the cause rather than the pursuit of accolades. Accepting the honour during a ceremony in London, she stated, “I’m not doing this to win awards. I’m doing it because I love working with the dogs, I love learning, and I genuinely think this could help marine conservation. To have that recognised is incredibly humbling.”
As Sgiath continues to explore various coastlines in search of the invasive sea squirt, her unique skills highlight the incredible potential of dogs in conservation efforts. This approach not only enhances the fight against invasive species but also showcases the bond between humans and their canine companions in undertaking vital ecological roles. Sgiath’s dedication and ability may very well inspire a new movement in marine preservation strategies, paving the way for further innovation in how we address environmental challenges.