Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz risk creating global biosecurity ‘super-spreader’ event
- The economic ramifications of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are much discussed.
- But so far, the risk of ecological damage following a long blockade of ships has been overlooked.
- Our recent research shows that the more than 1,500 commercial vessels that have been laid up in the Persian/Arabian Gulf since February pose a significant environmental threat because they have been accumulating marine biofouling species on their hulls.
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- The economic ramifications of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are much discussed.
- But so far, the risk of ecological damage following a long blockade of ships has been overlooked.
- Our recent research shows that the more than 1,500 commercial vessels that have been laid up in the Persian/Arabian Gulf since February pose a significant environmental threat because they have been accumulating marine biofouling species on their hulls.
Sources: The Independent