- A new study warns that thousands of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf could unintentionally trigger a massive spread of marine invasive species.
- The prolonged anchoring of over 1,500 ships, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leads to “biofouling” – the accumulation of marine organisms like mussels and barnacles on their hulls.
- When these ships resume normal trade routes, the biofouling creatures may be transported globally, potentially causing an unprecedented “super-spreader” event for invasive species.
- Researchers highlight the significant ecological and economic damage these invasive species can cause, citing examples such as harmful algal blooms and the rapid reproduction of barnacles.
- Scientists are urging authorities to strengthen ship biofouling management and expand monitoring at high-risk ports to abate this extraordinary global biosecurity threat.
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