Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz pose a significant threat to sharks and other marine life in Bahrain’s waters, according to recent analyses. The potential impact on Bahrain is particularly severe due to the Arabian Gulf’s semi-enclosed nature and slow water circulation. Pollutants like oil spills, maritime debris, and potential underwater explosions, entering through the Strait, could remain in the region for prolonged periods, adding to existing pressures that already challenge the delicate ecosystem of the Arabian Gulf. The potential impact on Bahrain is heightened by the Gulf’s semi-enclosed nature and slow circulation, making it especially vulnerable. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, carrying roughly 20 per cent of global oil. It serves as the sole maritime connection between the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, making it a critical choke point for environmental concerns.
Maritime Conflict and Oil Leaks
Reports indicate a series of oil leaks and spills have occurred in the region in recent months, coinciding with ongoing conflict. These incidents, occurring amid heightened tensions, have raised alarms among environmental observers. Major oil slicks were observed ashore on Iran's Qeshm Island, reportedly originating from a vessel struck in a Strait of Hormuz incident. Separately, a tanker transporting Russian crude ran aground off Oman in June. This grounding led to a substantial environmental concern, as satellite analysis subsequently indicated that the leak from the Oman grounding extended over an area exceeding 2,000 square kilometers, noting the scale of potential environmental damage from such events.
Further maritime incidents have been reported, with multiple vessels burning or on fire in the Strait of Hormuz following projectile and drone strikes. These direct attacks on shipping vessels introduce additional risks of pollution beyond accidental spills. Pollution generated by oil or chemical spills in the Strait is known to accumulate within the Arabian Gulf due to its hydrodynamics. The impact of such pollution is a significant concern for the entire region. Despite these occurrences, official studies or reports documenting changes in marine life around Bahrain as a direct consequence of the current situation have not yet been released. This lack of full data makes it challenging to fully assess the immediate ecological fallout. However, regional fishermen have reported disruptions to fisheries, with some noticing fewer fish in their catches, suggesting an impact on marine populations.
Bahrain's Vulnerable Marine Environment
Bahrain's marine environment is particularly susceptible to pollution due to the slow circulation of water in the semi-enclosed Arabian Gulf. It can take between two to five years for water to circulate and exit the sea. This limited exchange, combined with specific current flows and sea depths, means pollution can accumulate significantly around Bahrain, according to environmental observations. The unique hydrodynamics of the Gulf, including its current flow and sea depth, mean that pollution entering the system can become trapped and concentrated, particularly around the shallow waters of Bahrain.
Jenny Elliott-Bennett, 48, who lived in Bahrain for nearly 10 years, noted the specific threats to marine life. "There are at least 30 endemic species of sharks in the wider Arabian Gulf and at least seven of them use the waters around Bahrain as critical nursery sites, making them particularly vulnerable to pollution and subsequent salinity changes in their marine environment," Ms. Elliott-Bennett stated. Her insights show the critical role Bahraini waters play in the life cycle of these vulnerable species.
Pollution from oil spills can reduce light penetration in the water, disrupting plankton drifts, which form the base of the marine food web. This disruption has cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. Ms. Elliott-Bennett added, "Oil spills can reduce light penetration and disrupt plankton drifts, while rising sea temperatures and salinity, which can alter fish behaviour and so reduce prey." These environmental stressors can lead to habitat degradation and declines in fish diversity and populations. A stressed marine environment can lead to habitat degradation and declines in fish diversity and populations, impacting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Rising sea temperatures and increased salinity levels in the Gulf can also alter fish behaviour, consequently reducing the availability of prey for larger marine species. Open-water species such as anchovies, mackerel, and sardines are particularly affected by the pollution of their food sources, as well as by changes in sea temperature and salinity levels. These species, vital components of the marine food chain, face significant challenges from the combined effects of pollution and climate change.
Threats to Shark Populations
There are at least 30 endemic species of sharks in the wider Arabian Gulf, with at least seven of these species utilizing the waters around Bahrain as critical nursery sites. These include species such as blacktip reef sharks, Arabian carpet sharks, and milk sharks, which are commonly observed in Bahraini waters. These specific species rely heavily on the relatively sheltered and nutrient-rich waters of Bahrain for their early developmental stages. Jenny Elliott-Bennett, who has been studying sharks since 2018 and is currently pursuing a PhD on sharks in the Arabian Gulf, noted their particular vulnerability. Ms. Elliott-Bennett stated, "There are at least 30 endemic species of sharks in the wider Arabian Gulf and at least seven of them use the waters around Bahrain as critical nursery sites, making them particularly vulnerable to pollution and subsequent salinity changes in their marine environment." Her ongoing research provides key data on these sensitive populations.
The Strait of Hormuz also serves as a migratory corridor for at least 20 transitory shark species, including endangered whale sharks. Whale sharks are classified as endangered, with their global populations having declined by more than 50 per cent since the 1950s. The passage through the Strait is essential for their seasonal movements, making them highly susceptible to any environmental disturbances in this critical waterway. Ms. Elliott-Bennett's research has documented individual specimens from multiple species that are listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered. The presence of these sensitive species shows the potential ecological impact of ongoing environmental changes in the region, noting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The decline of these species could have significant repercussions for the overall health of the Arabian Gulf ecosystem.
Advocacy and Protection Efforts
Jenny Elliott-Bennett's research on sharks is officially endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade Programme, recognizing its importance for global marine conservation. Regional fishermen have reported disruptions to fisheries, observing fewer fish in their catches, a concerning trend that aligns with the potential environmental degradation. Ms. Elliott-Bennett began her shark research in Bahrain after witnessing sharks being sold at local supermarket fish counters, an experience that spurred her to investigate their status in the region. She subsequently presented her findings to Bahrain's Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) and assisted in developing a shark protection law for the country. This proactive step aims to provide legal safeguards for these vulnerable marine creatures. The proposed shark protection legislation was provisionally accepted by the SCE, pending some amendments, indicating a positive step towards stronger environmental governance in Bahrain. The development of such legislation is key for mitigating the long-term impacts of pollution and other threats on marine biodiversity.
