Working Dog Wins Animal of the Year for Battling Invasive Carpet Sea Squirt

A four‑legged hero has been named this year’s Animal of the Year after a working dog helped eradicate a fast‑spreading marine invader known as the carpet sea squirt, a species colloquially dubbed “sea vomit” for its bright orange, gelatinous colonies.

The carpet sea squirt, originally native to the Pacific coast of North America, arrived on European shores via ship hulls and aquaculture equipment. Once established, it blankets rocks, piers and kelp forests, outcompeting native organisms and altering local ecosystems. Its rapid growth has prompted marine biologists to seek innovative control methods.

Enter the specially trained dog, whose keen sense of smell can locate the squirt’s hidden mats beneath tidal zones. Handlers guide the animal along intertidal walks, and when the dog signals a detection, divers are dispatched to remove the colonies. The approach blends traditional marine management with canine detection, offering a low‑impact, cost‑effective tool that avoids chemical treatments.

Environmental groups and research institutes have praised the collaboration, noting that the dog’s contributions have led to measurable reductions in squirt coverage along several vulnerable coastlines. The award, presented by a national wildlife charity, underscores a growing recognition of animals as partners in conservation, echoing similar programs that employ birds of prey, pigs and even otters to curb invasive species.

Looking ahead, officials say the success of the canine program will inform future pilot projects targeting other marine invaders, such as the Japanese kelp and the Pacific oyster. By showcasing the tangible benefits of interdisciplinary teamwork, the honored dog not only earned a title but also highlighted a promising pathway for protecting fragile coastal habitats.