On a brisk morning near Beirut Port, two Lebanese fishermen — Fahak Dodaklian and Harag Manjian — transformed a routine fishing outing into a moment of grace and rescue.
Both men are long-time members of the Lebanese Fishing Channel, a growing community of sea lovers who share their experiences, tips, and encounters from Lebanon’s coastal waters. But on this particular day, their catch wasn’t fish — it was a life in need of saving.
While patrolling near the breakwater, Fahak and Harag spotted something odd: a sea turtle struggling, barely able to surface. Closer inspection revealed the culprit — a polypropylene plastic bag tightly wrapped around her left flipper, shredding her flesh and condemning her to a slow, painful death.
Without hesitation, they intervened. With steady hands and acute care, Fahak wielded a small knife, cutting away the twisted plastic, while Harag gently steadied the turtle, whispering reassurances. Once freed, they cleaned the wounded limb, washed off debris, and tenderly returned her to the sea near Beirut’s coastline. The turtle paused, as if to say “thank you,” then glided into the depths.
“We fish to live, not to destroy,” said Fahak after the rescue. “The sea gives us everything. Saving her creatures is the least we can do.”
The Mediterranean Sea is among the most polluted in the world, with plastic waste accounting for nearly 90% of floating debris. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish or become entangled in fishing gear, leading to suffocation, starvation, or severe injuries like the one witnessed in Beirut.
Lebanon’s coastline, though rich in biodiversity, suffers from urban waste, industrial discharge, and weak enforcement of anti-pollution laws. Yet, stories like Fahak and Harag’s offer a glimpse of the solution: community awareness and direct action.
Be Part of the Solution — Report Your Sightings
The Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), through its BAHR Platform, is inviting all citizens — fishermen, divers, boaters, and beachgoers — to report marine incidents and wildlife encounters. Every sighting helps researchers map pollution sources, track marine life, and advocate for stronger coastal protection.
➡️ Submit your report here: https://bahr.lbeforum.org/submit-listing/
When submitting:
Choose “Plastic Pollution” or “Commercial Fishing”
Enter Beirut Port as location
Describe what you witnessed (e.g., “Sea turtle entangled in plastic, rescued by fishermen”)
Upload photos or video (if available)
Indicate the condition of the animal (alive, injured, etc.)
Your contribution will strengthen national data on marine biodiversity and empower Lebanon’s growing network of ocean defenders.
A Ripple of Hope
What happened at Beirut Port is more than a rescue — it’s a reflection of shared responsibility. When everyday citizens like Fahak Dodaklian and Harag Manjian act to protect marine life, they prove that compassion is the strongest current running through Lebanon’s waters.
“The sea connects us all — fishers, scientists, and citizens alike,” said a Omar Marcho from LFC. “Each act of care brings us closer to harmony with nature.”
The rescue was carried out by Fahak Dodaklian (فاهاك دوداكليان) and Harag Manjian (هراغ مانجيان), both members of the Lebanese Fishing Channel.
The incident took place near Beirut Port, where the fishermen spotted a sea turtle entangled in a polypropylene plastic bag that was severely injuring her left flipper.
Upon noticing the turtle struggling, the fishermen used a small fishing knife to carefully cut away the tightly wound plastic. They then cleaned the wound and gently released the turtle back into the sea.
The entire act was filmed and reported by environmental documentarian Omar Marcho, whose footage has raised awareness about marine pollution and the vital role of Lebanon’s fishing community in protecting marine life.
Lebanese citizens — including fishers, divers, and beachgoers — can report marine animal rescues, strandings, or pollution incidents via the BAHR platform operated by the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF)
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