Ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz region may be biosecurity risks when they leave. What can we do?

Elke Scholiers/Getty Images, CC BY 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 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. As the strait reopens, these…