US-Iran Tensions: The prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has created an unusual problem at sea. Hundreds of ships have been stuck for months across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This has given sea creatures much more time than usual to settle on their hulls.
Evidence and Data
A new report published in the journal Biological Invasions warns that when these vessels eventually sail again, they could carry large numbers of marine organisms into ports across the world. Many ships in the Gulf have now been idle for months. “Temperature increases often initiate reproduction, spawning, growth and the search for new places or surfaces to settle and thrive. The movement of these organisms into new waters can cause environmental and economic damage. Invasive marine species can displace native organisms and, in some cases, contribute to the loss of local species. The researchers also warn that marine organisms transported on ships can carry harmful parasites and pathogens. The warm waters of the Gulf can favour species that tolerate high temperatures. If these organisms reach other areas and temperatures rise in those locations over time, they could gain an advantage over native species. The researchers say international cooperation will be needed as vessels start leaving the Gulf. Ports expecting ships from the region could prepare facilities and procedures to inspect and clean vessels after they arrive. This could help reduce the spread of invasive organisms.
Scientists associated with the study say the situation could turn into a major marine biosecurity problem, with ships acting as “super-spreaders” of invasive species. “If you were to design a worst-case scenario for biofouling and the spread of invasive species, you could not come up with anything better than this,” Tamburri said. If this route had been closed in the middle of winter, the risk would have been lower,” he said. “Once invasive species become established somewhere, particularly in marine environments, they are difficult to remove,” he said.
What It Means
“We are pretty confident that when the Strait reopens, there will be arrivals of invasive species. Some invasive species may be cryptic. They are there, but they are unnoticed or don’t have much of an impact. Others do,” he added.
