- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026 stranded over 1500 ships, leading to extensive biofouling growth on their submerged surfaces.
- Prolonged stationary periods create ideal conditions for marine microbes, algae, and invertebrates to colonize, increasing the risk of invasive species spread.
- Idle ships act as vectors for non-indigenous species, potentially triggering a global bioinvasion 'super-spreader' event when shipping resumes.
- The Gulf region's warm, saline waters and high shipping traffic amplify biosecurity risks, especially for ports with similar environmental conditions.
- Recommendations include in-water cleaning, biofouling estimation, route forecasting, early detection monitoring, and rapid alert networks to mitigate risks.