Strait of Hormuz ship backlog risks global invasive species spread

More than 1,500 cargo vessels currently stalled in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman pose a significant environmental risk due to heavy biofouling. Researchers warn that these idle ships could act as ‘super-spreaders’ for invasive marine species once they resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

A study published in Biological Invasions highlights that while vessels typically transit the area within one to three days, many ships in the current backlog have remained stationary for over 100 days. This extended period allows for the rapid accumulation of organisms such as algae, barnacles, and mussels on ship hulls.

Scientists from the University of Maryland warn that this buildup creates a unique risk. Because the region hosts vessels from all over the world, the stationary ships are accumulating a diverse mix of organisms that would not normally coexist. If these ships move without proper cleaning, they could introduce these biological communities into new, distant ecosystems, potentially disrupting local fisheries, aquaculture, and marine environments globally.