More Than 1,500 Ships Could Carry a Marine Crisis Around the World

Researchers warn that more than 1,500 commercial ships stranded in the Persian/Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman may have accumulated heavy marine growth on hulls and internal structures.

Warm Gulf waters and unusually long lay-up times could turn these vessels into carriers of algae, barnacles, mussels, microbes, and other invasive organisms.

If the fleet resumes service, it could spread nonnative species worldwide through ports, coastal ecosystems, and shipping routes.

The risk is especially concerning given the potential for a large-scale bioinvasion tied to disrupted maritime traffic.