An academic paper released recently 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 these vessels resume their journeys. The study, published in Biological Invasions on July 22, highlights the potential for algae, barnacles, tunicates, and other organisms attached to the stationary ships in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to spread widely, posing a substantial biosecurity risk on a global scale.
Lead author Mario Tamburri, a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, emphasized that the current situation in the Gulf, with an estimated 1,500 ships stranded in the Persian Gulf and additional vessels in the Gulf of Oman due to the strait’s closure amid geopolitical conflicts, could create an ideal scenario for a “biofoulic spreader event.”
The prolonged stationary period of these ships, far exceeding the usual duration, coupled with ineffective hull coatings designed to prevent biofouling, increases the likelihood of these vessels becoming potential “super-spreaders” of invasive species. Tamburri pointed out the challenges of cleaning the vessels before departure, citing a lack of resources and safety risks associated with in-water cleaning during the ongoing conflicts.
The study underscores the importance of managing biofouling as a crucial aspect of maritime ecological conservation, alongside the more commonly addressed issues of ballast water transport. The potential impact of invasive species spreading through biofouling is a growing concern, as highlighted by previous incidents like the introduction of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes.
Efforts to address biofouling, including the International Marine Organization’s guidelines, are essential in preventing the establishment and spread of harmful species. The current situation in the Gulf region serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between geopolitical events and ecological consequences, with the long-term implications of these biosecurity threats extending far beyond the immediate region.
Experts warn that the legacy of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a significant increase in the risk of marine invasions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate the spread of invasive species through biofouling.
