Why chemical and biological weapons are poor naval weapons

Were naval weapons ever rejected on ethical grounds, and why were chemical or biological weapons uncommon at sea?

Few ship weapons were excluded solely on ethical grounds, while chemical and biological agents were operationally awkward and vulnerable to seawater washdown.

Few naval weapons were rejected purely on ethical grounds, though attempts were made to prohibit several technologies. Chemical and biological agents are also awkward weapons against fast-moving ships. Crews can wash contaminated decks with seawater, which is harsh on the ship but harsher on many agents. Legal or ethical objections therefore sit alongside practical reasons why a weapon may have little naval value.