A working dog has been named animal of the year after being credited with hunting out the invasive carpet sea squirt, a marine organism often nicknamed "sea vomit".
The award highlights the animal's role in locating populations of the non-native carpet sea squirt, which conservationists and marine managers regard as a priority for detection and control. The recognition underscores the practical contribution dogs can make to biodiversity protection and biosecurity work.
Conservationists say early detection of invasive marine species is key to limiting their spread and the ecological and economic harm they can cause. Canine teams are increasingly used in such efforts because of their sensitivity and ability to search difficult terrain more quickly than humans alone.
The accolade for the dog draws attention to the broader use of working animals in environmental monitoring and pest control. Supporters say these approaches are a useful complement to other detection and management methods as authorities tackle invasive species in coastal and marine environments.