In the Gulf region, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused ships to be stuck, potentially leading to a significant spread of organisms, as detailed in a recent study. Published in “Biological Invasions” on July 22, the research highlights the risk posed by algae, barnacles, and other species attaching to stationary vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This situation, with approximately 1,500 ships trapped in the Persian Gulf and additional vessels in the Gulf of Oman due to the U.S.-Iran conflict, could result in a severe international biosecurity threat when these ships resume their journeys.
Lead author Mario Tamburri, a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, expressed concerns about the potential for a widespread biofouling event. The extended stationary periods of ships in the Gulf have facilitated the growth of organisms on their hulls and surfaces. The accumulation of these organisms, if not managed effectively, could lead to the global spread of invasive species upon the vessels’ departure.
The prolonged idleness of the ships, exacerbated by the closure of the strait, has created a scenario described by Tamburri and his co-authors as a “worst-case scenario.” The closure has forced ships to remain stationary for extended periods, far beyond their usual durations in port. This prolonged inactivity reduces the effectiveness of hull coatings designed to prevent biofouling, increasing the risk of these vessels becoming “super-spreaders” as they depart warm waters teeming with organisms entering their growing and reproductive phases.
Cleaning the vessels before departure presents a significant challenge, as the sheer number of ships and the limited capacity of in-water cleaning services hinder the process. The safety risks associated with sending workers into the water during a conflict further complicate the situation, leaving many ships to depart without proper cleaning measures in place.
While the transportation of species through cargo and ballast water has received considerable attention, biofouling, the attachment of organisms to the exterior of ships, has been comparatively overlooked. The potential for organisms to detach or release larvae at new ports poses a threat to native species by introducing invasive competitors.
Experts stress the importance of addressing biofouling risks, with the International Marine Organization releasing updated guidelines in 2023. Although regulations for biofouling management are still under development, the awareness of the threat posed by invasive species spread via ship exteriors is increasing within the shipping industry and regulatory bodies.
The urgent need to manage biofouling risks is highlighted by the difficulty in eradicating established invasive species, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent their introduction to new ecosystems. The implications of the current situation in the Gulf region extend beyond immediate concerns, serving as a stark reminder of the ecological consequences that can arise from geopolitical events, with potential impacts on marine ecosystems worldwide.