On a crisp summer morning, when the first light of dawn touched the restless waters of Port Beirut, Lebanese fisherman Abed Rahman Malla prepared his nets for a day that promised both challenge and reward. For generations, his family had lived by the rhythm of the sea, and today his attention was set on one of the Mediterranean’s most prized predators: the Leer fish (Lichia amia).
Abed Rahman’s method combined inherited knowledge with careful observation. Leer fish are known for their speed and sharp vision, patrolling the surface waters in pursuit of sardines and mullets. They are elusive, and their sudden bursts of power often make them a test of skill for even the most experienced fishermen. Abed Rahman explained that patience is key: “You don’t just cast your net randomly. You read the sea, follow the schools of baitfish, and wait for the silver shadows to strike.”
Near the rocky edges and harbor structures of Port Beirut, where currents swirl and small fish gather, Abed Rahman found his opportunity. With a swift movement, he cast his lines, baited with live sardines, knowing this predator prefers fresh, moving prey. Moments later, the water broke with a powerful splash — the fight with the Leer fish had begun.
Scientifically, the Leer fish is a fascinating species of the Carangidae family, native to the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Reaching up to 1.5 meters in length and weighing as much as 50 kilograms, it is among the largest and most formidable coastal hunters. In Lebanon’s waters, it appears during warmer months, often nearshore, where prey fish abound.
Unlike many pelagic fish, the Leer is a fast ambush predator, capable of short bursts of speed exceeding 60 km/h, using its streamlined body to chase and stun prey. It is also a migratory species, with patterns linked to seasonal changes in water temperature and prey distribution across the Mediterranean basin.
Ecologists note that the Leer fish plays an important role in maintaining balance in coastal ecosystems by regulating populations of smaller fish. However, overfishing and habitat degradation in the Mediterranean have raised concerns about its declining abundance, making the stories of local fishermen like Abed Rahman even more valuable as testimonies of both tradition and conservation.
After a tense struggle, Abed Rahman finally pulled a shimmering Leer fish onto his boat — its silver-blue body glistening under the morning sun. For him, the moment was more than a catch; it was a dialogue with nature, a continuation of an age-old relationship between Beirut’s fishermen and the sea.
Back at the docks, curious onlookers gathered to admire the catch. The Leer fish, known in Lebanese markets for its delicate white meat and rich taste, would soon become the centerpiece of family meals and feasts. Yet, Abed Rahman spoke with respect: “We take only what we need. The sea is generous, but it must be treated with care.”
The fishing of Leer fish near Port Beirut is not merely an act of livelihood — it is a window into the delicate interplay between man, sea, and science. For Abed Rahman Malla, each catch is a story written in salt and patience, a reminder that the Mediterranean, with all its mysteries, continues to nourish both body and spirit.
As Beirut’s coastline faces the pressures of urbanization, pollution, and climate change, the presence of species like the Leer fish remains a symbol of resilience — and a call to protect the marine heritage that has sustained Lebanon for centuries.
The Leer fish (Lichia amia) is a top predator in coastal ecosystems. By preying on sardines, mullets, and other small fish, it helps maintain balance in fish populations. Its presence also signals healthy marine habitats, making it an ecological indicator species for Mediterranean waters.
Leer fish are extremely fast, capable of short bursts over 60 km/h, and they often hunt near the surface in unpredictable patterns. Lebanese fishermen like Abed Rahman Malla must rely on patience, keen observation of baitfish movements, and traditional techniques — often using live sardines as bait — to successfully catch them.
While not officially classified as endangered, the Leer fish faces pressure from overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution across the Mediterranean. Local fishermen emphasize sustainable practices, taking only what is needed and respecting seasonal patterns, to ensure future generations can continue this tradition.
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