Strait of Hormuz Blockade Creates Biological Threat
Scientists warn of an 'ecological disaster in the making' as 1,500 stranded ships become ideal habitats for invasive organisms.
Scientists warn of an 'ecological disaster in the making' as 1,500 stranded ships become ideal habitats for invasive organisms.
The months-long blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February, has created an unexpected and serious threat to global biological security. A team of marine biologists, in a report published Thursday in the journal Biological Invasions, warns that the situation is an "ecological disaster in the making" and an "endless threat to international biological security," as reported by the BBC.
The problem lies with the thousands of ships that have been trapped for months in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Scientists estimate that since February, around 1,500 ships have been stranded in the Persian Gulf, with hundreds more vessels in the Gulf of Oman. This forced stagnation has provided invasive marine species with an unprecedented opportunity to settle on hulls and other parts of the vessels.
Roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, but since February 28, 2026, when the first attacks began, Tehran has effectively closed this crucial waterway. While Iran and Oman are currently negotiating its reopening, and a spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that an agreement is "in its final stages," biologists highlight the immense danger that lies ahead.
Once the blockade is lifted and ships set sail again for destinations worldwide, there is a real risk of what scientists call "super spreading of marine bioinvasive species." Organisms that have been reproducing undisturbed on hulls for months could be transported into new ecosystems, causing unpredictable damage.
In an ideal scenario, all ships that have been stationary should be thoroughly cleaned before leaving the Gulf region. However, scientists admit that cleaning such a large number of massive vessels is a huge logistical challenge. Beyond removing the organisms themselves, it is crucial to prevent their escape back into the water during the process, as well as to avoid additional pollution from the flaking of existing protective paint that contains toxins and microplastics.
