Ships stuck in strait of Hormuz pose ‘super-spreader’ biodiversity threat, scientists warn
Marine biologists warn that over 1,500 ships stranded in the Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have become vectors for invasive species. The prolonged stationary period allows marine life to encrust on hulls, creating a risk of global bio-invasion once shipping resumes.
Why it matters
This environmental threat could cause significant ecological damage to global marine ecosystems as trade routes reopen.
Cargo vessels and crude oil tankers anchored in the Gulf of Oman, awaiting the reopening of the strait of Hormuz. Cargo vessels and crude oil tankers anchored in the Gulf of Oman, awaiting the reopening of the strait of Hormuz. The age of extinction Strait of Hormuz Ships stuck in strait of Hormuz pose ‘super-spreader’ biodiversity threat, scientists warn Biologists say cargo ships stranded in Gulf may carry highly potent invasive species around the world as trade resumes
About this content Matthew Pearce Wed 29 Jul 2026 01.00 EDT Last modified on Wed 29 Jul 2026 01.01 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The closure of the strait of Hormuz has created conditions for an extreme global biodiversity threat, with scientists warning that thousands of stranded ships could spread invasive marine species across the world’s oceans once they begin sailing again.
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