Groundbreaking research by an international alliance of marine scientists has cautioned that invasive marine microbes (Image: Getty)
Stranded commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz could trigger an invasive marine “super-spreader event” once shipping lanes reopen, scientists have warned.
Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran 5 months ago, more than 1,500 ships near the strategically vital waterway have been compelled to remain stationary. With Washington and Tehran locked in a struggle over control of the strait, restrictions on maritime traffic have persisted for months.
Groundbreaking research by an international alliance of marine scientists has cautioned that invasive marine microbes, algae, and invertebrates have accumulated on the hulls of the idle vessels.
“If you had to sort of design a worst-case scenario, it would look a lot like this,” said Mario Tamburri, a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and one of the study’s lead authors. “It’s a perfect storm.”
The findings suggest this could result in “significant environmental risks,” including the proliferation of invasive species. As the stranded vessels re-enter global shipping routes, experts have raised alarm over the prospect of a “large-scale, marine bioinvasion ‘superspreader’ event.”
The consequences could include native species being outcompeted, damage to marine infrastructure, or the introduction of pathogens harmful to sea life and, in some cases, humans.
Scientists argue the current situation is “unparalleled” in modern history, with no previous shipping disruption having left such a vast number of vessels idle for such an extended period. Prior to the conflict, most vessels in the area would spend between 1-3 days in port before setting sail, yet now ships have remained stranded for months — more than sufficient time for what scientists term “biofouling” — the unwanted accumulation of marine organisms on a vessel’s hull.
The build-up of waterborne organisms can reach “rapid growth phase” after approximately 10 days, according to researchers. Compounding the threat is the fact that the vessels have sat idle at the onset of spring, when warmer waters actively promote growth and reproduction.
Ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz are ar risk, warn experts (Image: Getty)
Researchers are urging shipping companies to carry out in-water cleaning operations to eliminate the build-up, citing global ecosystem risks and increased fuel expenditure. Nevertheless, this remains unlikely for the majority of vessels, “given the urgency of evacuating stranded seafarers and restoring shipping movements,” the study notes.
Among the key challenges are limited capacity and operational restrictions in cleaning hundreds of large commercial vessels, coupled with insufficient resources to undertake large-scale operations.
Researchers are advising crews to assess the accumulation of marine organisms prior to departure, and that neighbouring ports monitor for early signs using low-cost, rapid evaluations, enabling authorities to properly gauge the risks involved.
“While the human and economic consequences of events like the war in the Middle East will always remain the highest priority, ecological impacts cannot be overlooked,” the study says.