A recent report suggests that the accumulation of organisms on ships stalled in the Gulf region due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a significant environmental threat once the vessels start moving again. Researchers estimate that around 1,500 ships are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf and hundreds more in the Gulf of Oman because of the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
The paper highlights the potential for biofouling – the growth of organisms on ships’ surfaces – to introduce invasive species to various ports globally if not managed properly. The prolonged idle time of ships in the Gulf, combined with ineffective hull coatings and the warm reproductive season for many organisms, increases the risk of a “super-spreader” event.
Cleaning the vessels before departure poses challenges due to the large number of ships and safety concerns during the conflict. The issue of biofouling has received less attention compared to species transported through ballast water, leading to concerns about the spread of invasive species between ecosystems.
Experts emphasize the need for regulations and guidelines to address biofouling as a potential ecological threat. The situation in the Gulf region serves as a stark reminder of how geopolitical events can have far-reaching ecological consequences worldwide, with the long-term impact of the spread of invasive species remaining uncertain.
