Full Breakdown
Labrador Leads the Fight Against Invasive Sea Squirt
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Detection Dog Wins IFAW’s Animal-of-the-Year Award
Black Labrador Sgiath, trained by marine ecologist Dr Texa Sim, has been recognized as IFAW’s Animal of the Year for her role in locating the invasive carpet sea squirt (*Didemnum vexillum*). The award will be presented at the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Animal Action Awards ceremony at BAFTA London on Thursday, October 15.
Background & Context: The Rise of *Didemnum vexillum* in UK Waters
The non-native carpet sea squirt, nicknamed “sea vomit,” is believed to have arrived on the south coasts of England and Wales in 2008. Since then it has spread to multiple seaside locations across the United Kingdom, appearing in shades from orange to cream. The organism reproduces rapidly during warm summer months, and warming seas are expected to accelerate its expansion. It can outcompete native wildlife for nutrients and clog aquaculture pens, marine infrastructure, and boat propellers, creating costly management challenges for European coastal economies.
Data & Statistics
- First recorded arrival in the UK: 2008.
- Current distribution: several coastal sites in England, Wales and Scotland.
- Detection output: Sgiath has identified hundreds of colonies of the sea squirt during low-tide surveys.
- Economic impact: control and cleanup of invasive marine species cost millions of pounds annually across Europe.
Official Statements & Responses
Dr Texa Sim, who developed the detection program while working on a native oyster restoration project on Scotland’s west coast, describes the initiative as a proof-of-concept effort that “has exceeded every expectation” she had for using dogs in a marine setting. She notes that Sgiath can “dive down under the seaweed” at low tide and provide a passive indication—a still stare—when the target scent is found, allowing rapid pinpointing of otherwise hard-to-spot colonies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The first time I asked her to identify the target species among lots of similar scents, she went straight to it,” — Dr Sim
What’s Next: Expanding Canine Detection in Marine Conservation
Following the October 15 ceremony, Dr Sim plans to continue training additional dogs, building on the success of Sgiath and Uisge, to broaden early-detection capabilities along the UK coastline. The approach aims to provide a rapid, cost-effective tool for managing *Didemnum vexillum* and potentially other marine invaders as climate-driven changes reshape coastal ecosystems.