Stalled ships in the Gulf area due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are facing the risk of becoming a potential “super-spreader” event, leading to long-lasting environmental impacts, as per a recent study. Published on July 22 in the journal “Biological Invasions,” the research highlights the threat posed by algae, barnacles, tunicates, and other organisms accumulating on stationary vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, potentially creating a significant international biosecurity hazard when the ships resume their journeys.
Lead author Mario Tamburri, a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, emphasized that the current situation presents an ideal scenario for a widespread biofouling event, facilitating the movement of numerous species across different regions. The study estimates that approximately 1,500 ships are stranded in the Persian Gulf and hundreds more in the Gulf of Oman due to the closure of the strait during the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Biofouling, the buildup of organisms on ship surfaces, could result in the spread of invasive species to global ports if not managed effectively, the study warns. The prolonged idleness of ships in the Gulf has disrupted their usual cleaning routines, making hull coatings less effective against biofouling. Tamburri expressed concerns about the challenges of cleaning the vessels before their departure, given the large number of ships and limited resources available for underwater cleaning amidst ongoing conflicts.
Tamburri and his team describe the situation as a “worst-case scenario,” with ships remaining stationary for extended periods far beyond their usual schedules. The high number of vessels, their close proximity, and the timing of the closure heighten the risk of a “super-spreader” event, especially as the organisms in the warm waters of the Gulf are entering their active growth and reproduction phases.
The study underscores the ecological implications of marine invasions, highlighting how organisms can spread between ecosystems through various means, including biofouling. While the focus has traditionally been on species transported via ballast water, the impact of biofouling on global biodiversity has received less attention. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced regulations and practices to mitigate the risks associated with biofouling and invasive species spread.
The researchers stress the difficulty in eradicating established invasive species, such as tunicates, once they have infiltrated new ecosystems. The study also points out the lack of mandatory regulations concerning biofouling compared to ballast water treatment, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive measures to address this growing environmental concern.
As the vessels stranded in the Gulf serve as potential carriers of diverse organisms, the study warns of the increased likelihood of invasions in other regions. This situation illustrates how geopolitical events can have far-reaching ecological repercussions, impacting marine biodiversity on a global scale. The long-term consequences of the current scenario in the Strait of Hormuz remain uncertain but are expected to have a lasting impact on marine invasion risks worldwide.