Thousands of stranded vessels in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could unintentionally trigger a massive spread of marine invasive species like mussels and barnacles in the region, a new study warns. When ships are anchored at sea for prolonged periods, their hulls tend to accumulate dense communities of marine organisms, including algae, barnacles, mussels, and other invertebrates. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementPrevious studies have also shown that modern shipping is one of the main ways by which marine invasive species spread. Invasive organisms transported this way are also sturdy and rapidly adapt to new environmental conditions, researchers warn. Researchers call on authorities to strengthen ship biofouling management and to expand monitoring at high-risk ports.