Yesterday, in the estuary where the Nahr Ibrahim River flows into the Mediterranean Sea, a Mugil cephalus — known locally as بوري — was observed. This species, commonly referred to as the flathead grey mullet, is one of the most ecologically and economically significant fish along Lebanon’s coastline.
In marine ecosystems, Mugil cephalus plays a vital role in nutrient cycling, feeding on detritus, algae, and organic matter, which helps maintain water quality and overall ecosystem balance.
The sighting is encouraging for conservationists, as it indicates that the Nahr Ibrahim estuary, despite mounting pressures from industrial pollution, untreated sewage, and rapid urban development, still harbors conditions that support marine life. Estuaries serve as critical nursery grounds for many fish species, providing shelter and abundant food for juvenile fish before they migrate to deeper waters.
Such observations are more than just momentary encounters; they contribute to long-term scientific monitoring of fish populations, migration patterns, and habitat health. This data is crucial for shaping evidence-based conservation strategies, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, sustainable fisheries management, and restoration projects for degraded coastal zones. Studies such as Lebanon: Estuaries as Marine Protected Areas (ESCWA, 2020) have highlighted the ecological importance of estuaries like Nahr Ibrahim and their potential role in national marine conservation plans.
Protecting habitats like the Nahr Ibrahim estuary ensures that species such as the Mugil cephalus continue to thrive, supporting both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Mugil cephalus, commonly known as the flathead grey mullet, or بوري in Arabic, is a coastal fish species found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters, including the Mediterranean.
In Lebanon, it is commonly found along the coast, particularly in estuaries, lagoons, and nearshore sandy or muddy bottoms. Locations like Nahr Ibrahim, Nahr El-Kalb, and Tyre Coast Nature Reserve often host populations.
Mugil cephalus can be found year-round, but populations are more noticeable in warmer months, especially late spring to early autumn, when juveniles migrate into estuaries.
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