The Mediterranean coast of Lebanon: Habitat for endangered fauna and flora

Sustainable Utilisation of Natural Habitats The Mediterranean coast of Lebanon: Habitat for endangered fauna and flora

Results of a coastal suruey in 2004 by Max Kasparek

This report is the result of a joint effort by the MSC Proiect funded by the EU, the MedWetCoast Proiect funded by the French GEF, and MEDASSET. Field work has been canied out

by Max Kasparek (for MSC) and Cherbel Rizk (for MedWetCoast), report preparation was done by Max Kasparek.

MSC Project Management Support Consultancy Proiect Ministry of Environment, Beirut MedWeGoast Project Biodiversity conservation in coastial and wetland sites of global importance Ministry of Environment, Beirut MEDASSET Meditenanean Association to Save Sea Turtles London & Athens

Gonsultant's address Dr. Max Kasparek

M6nchhofstr. 16 691 20 Heidelberg, Germany

Tef. (0049') 6221/ 475069 Fax (0049)6221 I 471858 Email : Kasparek@t-online.de

July 2004.

2

lntroduction The Lebanese coast has an enormous high population density, which is one of the highest in the world. The entire coast is only approximately 200 km long, and several major towns, including Beirut, Tripoli and Sour (Tyre) are situated there. The coast is therefore under an enormous pressure emerging from the fast growing human settlements, and the never-ending need for land. Housing and infrastructure development as well as recreation are the major factors with which the Lebanese coast is confronted. On the other hand, the Lebanese coast is known for its natural beauty, and it is well-known that the coast still harbours natural habitats for endangered fauna and flora.

In the light of permanent new investments along the coast, there is an urgent need to assess the current status of biodiversity there, and the need for protecting fauna and flora and natural habitats. New investments are threatening biodiversity at the coast more than anywhere else in the country.

The current assessment was done in the form of a rapid assessment. All beaches of the Lebanese coast was assessed at least once. The survey was confined to the flat parts of the coast (beaches) which are the most threatened parts. Rocky parts are usually less interesting for developers, and biodiversity is accordingly less threatened there. For the purpose of the survey, one group of animals and one group of habitats were selected which we believe describe sufficiently the overall status of the beaches: among animals, marine turtles were selected, as they are not only highly endangered in the Mediterranean, but their occurrence pattern reflects the occurrence of undisturbed habitats. For habitats, we selected the occurrence of sand dunes. They are a good indicator for the land use pattern. Sand dunes are often exploited for construction purposes, and are used for recreation. They are thus a highly endangered type of habitat.

The survey can build on a previous survey for marine turtles carried out in 2001 jointly by RAC/SPA and MEDASSET. The report on this survey (Demirayak et al.

2002) was a good basis for this report, and has been used as a template for it. As the assessment in 2001 was done relatively late in the season, it could not get a comprehensive picture on turtle nesting. This report therefore not only updates the status of marine turtle nesting four years after the initial survey, but it also provides additional information, in particular on habitats.

Methodology All beaches of the coast of Lebanon were visited by M. Kasparek and Ch. Rizk at least once during the high turtle nesting season in late June/beginning of July 2004.

Some beaches were visited repeatedly.

The report builds on a first survey carried out in 2001 by RAC/SPA and MEDASSET. The report, published in 2002 (Demirayak et al. 2002), was taken as a template for this survey, and all information was checked, up-dated and additional information was added.

All plants mentioned in this inventory have been identified carefully to the best of our knowledge using plant guides for the eastern Mediterranean. However, as there is no

3

specific guide to the plants of the Lebanese coast available, confirmation of all identifications would be required.

Description of habitats.' Coastal habitats were classified according to the European Nature Information System EUNIS which is used by the European Union. EUNIS Habitat types classification is a comprehensive pan-European system to facilitate the harmonised description and collection of data across Europe through the use of criteria for habitat identification; it covers all types of habitats from natural to artificial, from terrestrial to freshwater and marine. Habitat type is defined for the purposes of the EUNIS habitat type classification as follows: 'Plant and animal communities as the characterising elements of the biotic environment, together with abiotic factors operating together at a particular scale.' All factors included in the definition are addressed in the descriptive framework of the habitat classification. A criteria-based key has been developed for all units. lt takes the form of a sequential series of questions with additional detailed explanatory notes. Depending on the answer chosen, the user is directed to the next question in the series or to a habitat type identified by the parameters. The user may follow the key question by question, or view the criteria for each habitat level in a series of static diagrams. In the annexe, we give a list of habitat types for coastal habitats, which may be relevant for the Lebanese coast.

Assessment of nesting potential: In general, sea turtle nesting may occur at places which are less suitable. Nesting in other Mediterranean countries has, for example, sometimes observed at tourist beaches between deck chairs, at very narrow beaches within the splash zone, at very small beaches, and at beaches whose substrate is physically less suitable for nesting (such as gravel, shingle). Nests at such places are usually not successful, and the overall nest number at such places is usually very low. These nests therefore do not contribute significantly to the overall population size. Having this in mind, one has to consider that sea turtle nesting may occur at practically all beaches along the Lebanese coast, but this does not mean that every beach where nesting has occurred is actually important for the marine turtle population. What we regard as significant for Lebanon and the Mediterranean is at least approximately five nests per beach per year. Below that we call it accidental nesting, and we do not regard beaches with accidental nesting as significant for site conservation. We thus distinguish for Lebanon the following categories:

. o . .

Accidental nesting: lrregular nesting in very low numbers (<5 nests per year) Low nesting (potential): Although there is some nesting potential, numbers are very low. The number of nests is usually between five and ten nests per year.

Medium nesting (potential): >10 nests per year. These sites are relevant for site conservation.

High nesting (potential): Beaches with >20 nests per year. Highly relevant for site conservation.

As long-term observations covering the whole nesting season are absent for most of the beaches, the exact classification is sometimes difficult and somewhat subjective, depending on the experience of the observer. Nevertheless, we are convinced that this classification system is sufficient for the purpose of this study.

4

Results and Recommendations All beaches of the Lebanese coast were surveyed in 2004 and their coastal habitats and their nesting potential for marine turtles were assessed. We surveyed altogether 25 beaches; some of them have not been assessed before.

Long sandy beaches are almost absent from the Lebanese coast. The longest beach is to the north of Sour (El Aabbassiye and El-Bourgheliye; Beach No. S-3), followed by the beach to the south of Sour, which is protected as Sour Nature Reserve (Beach No. S-2). All other beaches are relatively small, and usually do not exceed a few hundred of metres in length, and are also often very narrow.

Sand dunes are almost non-existent along the Lebanese coast: the only area which can be characterised as sand dune area of significant size is situated to the north of Sour (El Aabbassiye and El-Bourgheliye; Beach No. S-3). There are some other areas with usually very small relicts of former sand dunes, such as in the Sour Nature Reserve (Beach No. S-2) or at the beach of Saida Town (Beach No. S-9). In addition, rudiments of sand dunes are often found in the very narrow belt between the sand beach and agricultural land. Beaches in Lebanon are often separated from agricultural fields by high walls which protect agriculture from the influence of the sea, and sand accumulations are then often found in front of these walls. lt is often difficult to decide whether these sand accumulations should be characterised as sand dunes, as they do not follow the classical image of sand dunes, but their plant cover sometimes (such as tamarisk scrub) characterises them as such.

Moist and wet dunes slacks are rarely found in Lebanon. The most extensive dune slacks are situated within the Sour Nature Reserve (Beach No. S-2). Vegetation is dominated by Common Reed (Phragmifes australis) and sedgebeds. Similar sites are found also at some other places, where their origin is artificial: There is at some places incoming surplus irrigation water from agricultural fields, which is accumulated in the sand before it finds its way to the sea. Such places are found e.g. at the Sour Nature Reserve South Beach (Ras Al Ain, Beach No. S-2a) or at Damour Beach (Beach S-12). To the north of Beirut, the only "dune" slack was identified at Byblos Beach (Beach No. N-14), and this was only a very small moist reedbed within a small sandy area.

Sandy beaches and sand dunes are in particular practically absent from the beaches to the north of Beirut; the only site worthwhile to mention in this direction is a small sandy beach near Cheick Zennad (Beach No. N-19). This beach has been severely damaged by sand extraction by local people, and is heavily polluted with plastic and other garbage, but would nevertheless suitable for protection and rehabilitation.

We found four beaches with a high nesting potential for marine turtles. Both species, Loggerhead Turtles, Caretta caretta, and Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas, nest there.

The highly endangered Green Turtle is less abundant.

Two of these four beaches are already legally protected, i.e. Sour Nature Reserve (Beach No. S-2) and Palm lslands (Beach No. N-17). The other two beaches are ElMansouri (Beach No. S-2) and the beaches to the north of Sour (El Aabbassiye and El-Bourgheliye; Beach No. S-3). Whereas El-Mansouri is a privately-owned beach and therefore relatively save, the beaches to the north of Sour are in need of urgent legal protection.

5

There are two beaches whose turtle nesting potential has been classified as "medium": The beaches to the south of the mouth of Litani River Beach No. 54) and Mahmoudiye Beaches (Beach No. 5-6).

Turtle nesting potential at the other 19 beaches is classified as low or accidental nesting. The nesting potential of some of these beaches has previously been overestimated. Nesting potential is low at these beaches because many of them are physically less suitable (gravel and shingle beaches, too small to provide place for significant turtle numbers), they have been damaged seriously (sand extraction for construction purposes, followed by beach erosion) or development has already taken place (construction of houses, tourist installations and infrastructure).

Combining the results from the mapping of sandy habitats and marine turtle nesting, there are the following conservation priorities: 1. Palm lsland and Sour Nature Reserve: Continuation of already initiated and ongoing conservation efforts.

2. Beaches to the north of Sour (El Aabbassiye and El-Bourgheliye; Beach No. S-3).

This beach has the highest conservation priority, as it holds the only significant sand dunes of Lebanon (white dunes and fixed grey dunes with dune thickets). This habitat type does not occur elsewhere in Lebanon and must be protected. The sand dunes have already severely damaged, especially they have been flattened for tourist use, and there is a need to stop this. Furthermore, this area has a high nesting potential for marine turtles, and both Loggerhead and Green Turtles were found nesting there.

Beach No. S-3 is therefore in an urgent need for management, and this should include the following:

-

-

Clarification of land tenure issues. Assessment of the question or private versus public lands.

Delimiting the borders of the area to be protected. The area extends towards the mouth of Litani River and even beyond. A careful assessment of habitats and fauna and flora will reveal the exact borders of a potential protected area.

Securing the current status of the remaining sand dunes. Protecting them against excavation for sand, and against flattening for tourist purpose.

Strictly prohibiting the public access to the sand dunes, as already walking on them may give them considerable damage.

Initiating rehabilitation measures for sand dunes at already damaged places.

Regulating public access to the beach. Whereas the beach may be used for recreation purposes by local people (swimming, going fishing, etc.), this must be done under certain restrictions (no access to the beach at night, restricting the area which is accessible by the public).

It should be taken as a good opportunity that the beach is bordered by private land,

and that some of the sand dunes may be owned by private persons. The private land may become a shield which helps to limit public access to the area.

3. Cheikh Zennad Beach (Beach No. N-19). This beach, situated towards the border with Syria, is the only beach to the north of Beirut, which has (rudimentary) sand dunes. Although marine turtle nesting has not yet been confirmed, it is regarded as a potential nesting site, and the area is an appropriate candidate for rehabilitation the sand dunes. Urgent measures should include: - Stop of sand extraction by local villagers from Cheikh Zennad for construction purposes

6

- Clcer*ne th. b..df,turn Cdc frd drr gltg - Sbp tre dl|lro d whhhr (n pmblrr d hnry nhidr rtch r tsrbns) on tho baedl.

- ComU*ng the cdrbfdtmril of nnen hr th. nhSffirUon d ttc s.nd durr (c.9. lry onfil&nr w|Ur bmdndtrr br *hhg ttc ..nd) - GMng ttr elca Lgd prilclon h onrbffin Sr thc.dnrr tfihcr hlrd.

7

Table: Status of sand dunes along the Lebanese coast. The beaches are listed from the south to the north. For explanations see text.

B

I

1

Level 2

3

Level

t

2 1 5

s-1

O

a

s-2A

o

o

s-2

o

O

s-3

a

o

o

S4

o

o

o

s-5

o

o

Sâ&#x201A;Ź

O

o

s-7

o

O

S.7A

O

o

I

2 1 7 e

3

I

7

6 1

1

1

2

I

1

2

3 4 5

o

o

2 3 1 5 3

o o

o

o

o

o o

o o

o

O

o a

o

a

o

O

o

s-8 O

o

s-10

o

o

s-11

o

o

s-12

o

o

S-12A

a

S.128

o

a

o

O

s-9

Remarks

B 2 habitats

habitats

4

3

2

t

a o

o

o

o

o

N-134 o

N-13

o

N-138

o

N-14

o

N-15

o

o

N-16

o

a

N-l7

o

O

N-18

o

o

N-19

o

o

o

8

o

o

a

a

o

o

O

o

o

6

Table: Sea turtle nesting potential of the beaches of the Lebanese coast. The beaches are listed from the south to the north. For explanations of the classification system, see under methodology.

Beach No.

Turtle nestlng potentlal Remerks

Accld.

Low

Medlum

Hlgh

o

s-1

Nesting beach, both Caretta and Chelonia, up to 45 nests per year

o

S.2A

Some nesting potential, low due to physical structure

s-2

o

Nesting beach, Caretta only

s-3

o

Nesting beach, both Caretta and Chelonia

a

S4

Nesting confirmed for both species, beach narrow with only a few places suitable for nesting

o

s-5

Some potentialfor nesting, beach narrow; heavy tourist use.

o

s-6

Nesting confirmed; nesting area small

o

s-7

Nesting confirmed; heavy tourist use.

S.7A

o

Beach narrow, heavy tourist use.

s-8

o

Beach narrow with gravel and shingle.

o

s-9

Physically well suited, but much human disturbance (located within the town of Saida).

s-10

o

Physically suitable, but heavy tourist use.

s-11

o

Physically less suitable, human use.

o

s-12

Physically less suitable

S.124

a

Too narrow.

S.128

o

Tourist beach.

N-13A

o

Too narrow;gravel & shingle;tourist use.

N-13

o

Physically less suitable; tourist use.

N.l38

o

Too narrow; too much tourism.

N-14

o

Narrow tourist beach.

N-15

o

Beach provides some fine sand, tourist use.

N-l6

o

Physically suitable, but very small.

o

N-17

N-l8 N-19

o

Up to 36 nests per year; Beach very small.

Very narrow with gravel.

o

Only small area suitable for nesting.

I

33'30',N S-8

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oa

rrrf tff

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tt

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fgSllt'r rhr.'nrrn\1-

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-rt-t

Sil/

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ar

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â&#x201A;Ź-i $

o

Fig. Map of the southern part of Lebanon with beach sections S1-S9.

10

El-Mansouri Beach Coordinates: Length:

width:

-

S-l

33"11'N,35"11'E 1.4 km. The beach is divided into 6 sections: A (236 m), B (142 m), C (108 m), D (265 m), E 8518 m), and F (132 m). Due to flat beach rocks and damage of the beach through sand extraction, the total beach length suitable for turtle nesting is approx. 1.0 km.

Varying between 23 and 30 m, with sand dunes extending further 1G-40 m.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Description:

Beach use:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1.24, B 1.25, B 3.1, B 3.2.

109_0920, 109_0921, 109_0924, 109_0925, 109_0926, 109_0927, 1 09_0928, 1 09_0929, 109_0930, 1 09_0931.

One of the few large beaches of Lebanon. The beach consists of fine sand, faced by coralline reefs on the low tide line. Following the tidal zone, the beach rises up in a smooth slope to where the vegetation zone starts. The dune system is intenupted to the rear by a wall at the boundary of the private agricultural land. The beach is flattest at the northern and southern ends with a higher profile in the middle.

At the southern end there is a ruined house next to the beach with a three-storied building behind it, whose lights illuminate this part of the beach at the night. At the north end of the beach there is a large beachside house, one of which is close to the sea and its garden lights are visible from the beach. In this particular zone, some disoriented hatchling tracks were observed in 2QO2 moving towards the light. During the day, the beach is used by local people for swimming, especially during the afternoons. At weekends local families frequent the beach for swimming. Access to the beach is limited by private agricultural land, but there is an open access road next to the ruined building at the southern end, and a road and footpath at the northern end.

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Protection:

None. Only small sandy areas with some open vegetation.

The beach was surveyed in 2001 by Mona Khalil, and she did this work again in 2002 and 2003 with the support by MEDASSET. The work in 2002 was carried out under supervision of Nic Newbury, and in 2003 under supervision of Freya St. John. In 2004, a survey was again organized by Mona Khalil, in cooperation with MEDASSET (Monica Aureggi). In 2001, a total of 45 nests were observed. In 2002, the number was with 42 nests almost identical, and in 2003 with 38 nests slightly lower. In 2004, several nests of both Caretta and Chelonia were observed by late June/early July. Nest predation was in particular high in 2001 and 2002, but attempts to protect turtle nests against predators (mainly straying dogs and jackals) with mesh wire have been successful. In 2003, the overall nesting success was 47o/o for Caretta, and 60% for Chelonia.

None. However access to the beach is limited due to private agricultural land adjoining the beach. Beach users are informed about nesting activity by the farm owner.

11

Tab. Nest distribution of Caretta carefta and Chelonia mydas at El-Mansouri beach in 2002 and 2003. For beach sections, see the map.

year

spec|es

o o

Caretta

.

Chelonia

o

beach section

2002 2003 2002

B

c

D

E

F

Total

10

0

0

7

3

4 4 0

4 0 0 4

1

6

1

17 14

1

0 0

0 0

4

31

37 33 5 3 78

2003

18

total no. nests

Trrr-na brr:run ---. -D:r.t V ttgd.n - ftrrrprrh - E:q-d fccb a-

lb.

A

rerr& h.xh

0 0 1

3 17

rd vsttrDn

HC+

rorut

\ -v vv

iy.:rl r v Y v Y I--*-- t .:$H,-Y- :--_r_),irs tr\n F

I

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A

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lltf i.

IftTE

F,*{

E(llbl|

.,,r*

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l-..f Frrl ltr-rrrr

Medllerranâ&#x201A;Źan Sea Figure. Map of El-Mansouri beach.

Sour Nature Reserve Ras Al-Ain S-2A

Goordinates:

34o14'N, 35'13'E

Length: Width: EUNIS habitat

0.8 km (potential turtle nesting area: 0.3 km).

20 to 40 metres.

Habitat types 8 1.21, B

1

classification:

12

.24,8 1.84,8 2.2, B 2.3, B 3.1 ,8

3.2-

Photographs:

107

_0782,

107 _0787 , 107 _0792,

07_0783, 107 _0784, 1 07_0785, 1 07_0786, 107_0788, 107_0789, 107_0790, 107 _0791, 107_0793, 107 _0794, 107_0795, 1 07_0796,

1

107_0799, 107_0800, 1 07_0801 This is the southern part of Sour Nature Reserve, which is separated by the Rachidiye Refugee Camp into two parts. This part is much smaller, and only small parts of the beach consist only fine sand, most are of coarse-grained sand and shingle. There are small remnants of former sand dunes, and a freshwater pool which is continuously fed with water coming from the agricultural fields. Vegetation in the sandy parts of the area include Euphor' bia poralia, Otanthus maritimus, Sporobolus pungens, etc.

Compared to the northern part of the reserye area, this part is relatively remote, with only a few visitors.

107 _0797, 1 07_0798,

Description:

Beach use: Sand dunes:

Some small areas of sand, no dunes.

Marine turtles:

No nesting confirmed so far. During the complete assessment in 2004, this beach will be monitored for nesting activities. Nesting potential low due to the small size of the sandy beach.

Nature Reserve Status since 1998.

Protection:

Sour Nature Reserye Beach S-2 5'N, 35'1 3'E

Coordinates: Length:

3401

width:

Varying between 50 and 100 metres.

Habitat Wpes B 1.21, B 1.24, B 1.31, B 1.32, B 1.44, B 1.84.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use:

1.4 km

107_0780, 107 _0781 Whereas the northern part of the beach (next to the town of Sour) is intensively used by tourists, the southern part is relatively pristine, measuring up to 70 metres width in places. Sand dunes lie behind the beach. They are relatively flat, and seem to be the remains of a formerly much larger and higher sand dune complex. The dunes are rich in Gramineae, including Elymus furcatus and Ammophila arenaria. Further tO the rear, dune slacks are found, with permanent stagnant water. These slacks are vegetated, with Common Reed (Phragmifes ausfralis) and Juncus acutus being typical species. The sand is extremely fine in texture and heavily compressed near the north end of the beach.

At the northern end of the reserve area, many beach huts are used as restaurants for daily users. The lights from the restaurants, those of the road to the rear of the beach, and those of a car park illuminate a large area of the beach. The large and wide flat beach in the north are probably only the remains of sand dunes, whose sand has been removed for construction purposes. There is a car park behind the restaurants where the sand has been completely compacted.

Cars drive to the beach up to 150-200 metres. The entrance to the beach is unrestricted, and it is used recreationally until late at night.

This uncontrolled access to the beach seriously threatens the potential for nesting activity.

107 _0778, 107_0779,

13

Sand dunes:

Relatively flat sand dunes are situated to the rear of the beach. They contain dune slacks, which are rich in vegetration (Phragmites, Juncus). Most of the sand dunes have been destroyed and flattened.

Marine turtles:

Loggerhead turtle nesting was confirmed in June and July 20M, when six nests were found. A complete assessment of nesting activities is ongoing (MEDASSET & MedWetCoast:: M. Aureggi). The southem part of area has a relatively good nesting potential, despite its small size.

Protection:

Nature Reserve Status since 1998.

Figure: Map of the Sour Nature Reserve.

El Aabbassiye and El-Bourgheliye (North Sour) Beaches S-3

- 33'1 8'N, 35014',E

Goordinates:

33"1 7'

Length:

approx. 1.7 km.

4 - 25 metres.

width: EUNIS habltat classlflcation: Photographs:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 1.25, B

108_0807, 108_0812, 109_0817, 108_0822, 108_0827, 108_0832,

108_0808, 108_0813, 108_0818, 108_0823, 108_0828, 108_0833,

1.4, B 1.61.

108_0809, 108_0814, 108_0819, 108_0824, 108_0829, 108_0834,

108_0810, 108_0815, 108_0820, 108_0825, 108_0830, 108_0835, 1 09_0837, 1 08_0838, 1 08_0839, 1 08_0840.

14

08_081 1 , 08_081 6, 1 08_0821 , 1

1

1

08_0826,

1

08_0831

1

08_0836,

,

Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes:

Marine turtles:

The beach begins to the North of the town of Sour and continues up to the Ras Ed Dine el Bahr headland to the North. The beach is bordered by sand dunes covered with dune plants. The width of the beach is sometimes over 50 metres, with fine sand smoothly rising up to the dunes. In the southern part, grey sand dunes are present, with well-developed sand dune vegetation. These incfude Yellow-horned poppies (Glaucium flavum), various Gramineae (including Sporobulus pungens), â&#x201A;Źper plant (Capparis ovata), Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), sea rocket (Cakile maritima), sea lavender (Limonium sinuatum), sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum), and many others. The sand hills are up to 15 m high. The highest of them, in particular those to the rear, are often covered with tamarisk bushes (Tamarix sp.). However, many of these dunes have been severely damaged or destroyed by excavating sand, often followed by wind erosion. At the place of the El Aabbassiye Beach, a public beach near the town of Sour, there were formerly sand dunes, but they have been excavated and flattened. Thus a 80 m wide beach has come into place - wider than the natural beach.

The beach is partially occupied by illegal housing. The Southern end of the North Sour beach is quite densely populated and spoiled by barracks and illegal buildings. Towards the North the beach is empty and less polluted, but there are car and bike tyre tracks to be seen. The beach is heavily used during the summer months by local people from Sour and the nearby settlements.

Sand dune ridges up to 15 m high: grey dunes with annual grasses and dune thickets consisting mainly of tamarisk scrub.

Probably the best dune area of Lebanon, although it has suffered considerably from sand removal and flattening.

The north Sour was confirmed to be a turtle nesting beach. In 2003, the beach was visited a total of six times between 9th June and 7th July, and a total of 5 C. caretta and 1 C. mydas nests were recorded on the continuously monitored 1.26 km stretch of beach (St. John et al. 2004). In late June/early July 2004, three Green Turtle and two Loggerhead Turtle nests were found. Regular nest counting is ongoing (MEDASSET & MedWetCoast).

Protection:

None.

Litani River (Nahr Litani, Nahr el Qamisiye) South Beach S-4 Coordinates:

33'19'N,35'14'E

Length:

approx. 4.5 km.

width:

Varying between 28 and 40 metres.

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 1.25, B 1.61, B 1.84,82.3, B 3.1, B 3.2.

109_0933, 109_0934, 109_0935, 109_0936, 109_0937, 109_0938, 109_0939, 109_0940, 109_0941, 109_0942, 109_0943, 109_0944, 109_0945, 109_0946, 109_0947, 1 09_0948, 1 09_0949.

The beach extends from the Sour North Beaches in the south to

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Description:

15

Beach use:

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Protection:

the mouth of river Litani in the north. There is no sharp border between this beach and the Sour North Beaches, and the approximate border has been accepted as the place, where the beach becomes narrower and thus less suitable for turtle nesting. Along most of its length, there are flat beach rocks, with some narrow sand beach behind it. The sand is usually find to coarse-grained.

At the mouth of the Litani River, several walls have been built extending into the sea, causing erosion on each side of the river.

Most of the places to the south of the river mouth are rocky. At places where freshwater comes in (mostly water from irrigation), small reed beds (Phragmifes ausfra/is) are found.

A wall, which has been constructed for protecting the agricultural land against the sea, runs parallel to the edge of the sea over almost the entire beach length, and at close distance to the splash zone. There are houses at the northern end with possible access to the beach. Further south there is an army check-point and a summer house located close to beach.

None, although some small areas to the rear can be classified as coastal dune scrub.

H. Bloquet monitored the southern end of this beach in June and July 2001, and noted altogether 1 1 turtle nests, four of them predated. In 2004, three Loggerhead and one Green Turtle nests were found on 1.7.2004. The nesting potential is medium. Although there are suitable places for turtle nesting here and there, the portion of the beach suitable for turtle nesting is very low, probably less than one kilometre long.

None.

Yahoudiye Beach S-5 Coordinates:

34"21'N,35014'E

Length:

1.0 km.

width:

Usually varying between 25 and 40 metres, but up to 80 m wide.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 2.13, B 2.3, B 3.1, B 3.2.

Beach use:

Sand dunes:

None.

The beach is bordered by agricultural land. There is a rocky section to the north. lt consists of a number of small beaches separated by sea walls and rocky outcrops. Evidence of coastal erosion was observed on this beach.

Yahoudiye beach has limited public access. Towards the northern end of the beach, with pathway access, a beach hut operates as a buffet. The beach is heavily used for domestic tourism and was surrounded with litter and rubbish left by the daily visitors. There is a small market-shop behind the beach where a few barracks are located. At the southern end of Yahoudiye beach the natural beach system and dunes were being destroyed by bulldozers for the construction of hotels.

None.

16

Marine turtles:

The owners of the agricultural land behind the beach reported in 2001 that sea turtle nesting activity had been observed in the past. Four dead sea turtles, apparently Caretta caretta. were reported in 2001. Nesting potential low.

Protection:

None.

Mahmoudiye Beaches 5-6 Coordinates: Length:

width: EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

33"22'N,35'14'E approx. 1.0 km.

Varying between 10 and 70 metres.

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 1.44, B 1.61, 2.1, B 2.2.

06_0689, 106_0690, 106_0691, 1 06_0692, 106_0693.

Starting at El Mahmoudiye, the beach ends at the Ras Minet Abou Zeid rocky cliff. The beach narrows at both the southern and northern ends, widening in the middle to around 70 metres width. At the southern end of the beach, the wet zone reaches 17 metres. To the rear of the splash zone, rests of sand dunes are found. The relict dunes are relatively old, and are in an advanced succession stage (grey dunes). Tamarisks are growing on them, which is a good indicator species for fixed grey dunes and maquis dunes.

The access to the beach is not easy and only a few local people use it for recreation (including for beach ball). There is a big wall constructed to the rear of the beach to separate it from the agricultural land. The beach was polluted with litter, mostly plastic.

1

To the rear of the beach, there are some sandy ridges covered with dune thickets, consisting mainly of tamarisk bushes.

Three predated nests were found in 2001, with egg shells around the nests, and both crab and dog prints. ln July 2004, some pits were seen in the sand which could have been old nest pits. A dead adult Caretta caretta which had been washed ashore was found on 24.6.2004. The overall nesting potential is low: although suitable for turtle nesting, significant nesting can only occur in the middle part, which is wide enough, but only a few hundred metres long.

Protection:

None.

Adloun Beaches S-7 Coordinates:

33"23 N, 35'1 5'E

Length:

approx. 0.8 km.

Varying between 23 and 40 metres.

width: EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, None.

17

2.3,8 2.4, B 3.1, B 3.2.

Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Protection:

Adfoun beach starts at the Northern end of Ras Minet Abou zeid, and is fronted by coralline reefs. The beach has a crescent shape to the north, and widens at the northern end. lt consists mosfly of a mixture of sand and shingle. The middle of the beach is covered with dead sea grass. Much of the beach has been destroyed by coastal protection measures, which deposit gravel and rubble on the beach.

Agricultural lands back the beach, with artificial dunes built to prevent incursion by the sea. As the agricultural lands are private, public access to the beach is limited. A couple of local fishermen were seen on the beach.

None.

Local farmers reported sea turtle nesting in 2001, and also reported two dead sea turtles on the beach earlier that year. One false nest and one possible nest were observed in 2001. The nesting potential is low: the beach has a suitable structure for nesting, sand quality is fine, but beach use is heavy.

None.

Sarafand Beach S-ZA Coordinates:

33027',N, 35"16',E

Length:

0.4 km.

width:

Varying between 10 and 20 metres.

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1.24.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use: Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

106_0678, 106_0679, 106_0690, 1 06_0691, 106_0692.

The beach is situated within the town of Sarafand. lt is very narrow and consists of fine sand. Some sand dune vegetation is found in the upper part of the beach. Houses extend up to the beach.

Heavy pollution with garbage and litter. Sewage is discharged into the Mediterranean Sea directly in front of the town.

None.

No evidence. Only accidental nesting may occur due to the narrowness of the beach and heavy human disturbance.

Protection:

None.

El-Aaddoussiye Beach S-8 Coordinates: Length:

33"29'N, 35'1 g',E

width:

Varying between 10 and 20 metres.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Habitat Wpes B 2.13, B 2.3.

0.5 km.

1

06_0675, 1 06_0676, 1 06_0677.

18

Description:

The beach starts north of Dahr-El-Borj and ends at the refinery in

the north. lt is a very narrow gravely beach. Sometimes, the beach is sandy, with only an upper layer of gravel. To the rear of the beach, there is agricultural land, and walls and/or reed belts separate the beach from these areas. Local people report that the beach was larger in the past.

Beach use:

There is evidence of heavy sand and shingle extraction. The Dahr el Baj Hotel is located at the southern end of the beach.

Sand dunes:

None.

Marine turtles:

No evidence observed. Only accidental nesting may occur.

Protection:

None.

Saida (Sidon) Beaches S-9 Coordinates: Length:

width: EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes:

Marine turtles:

Protection:

33"34'N, 35"22'E (North Saida), 33'33'N, 35'23'E (South Saida).

3.0 km (total length).

Varying between 20 and 50 metres.

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 1.31 .

None.

The Saida stadium divides the Saida beaches into two sections, a southern and a northern one. Both are gently sloping beaches consisting of fine sand. They are only 20 metres wide in the south, but are rising up to 50 metres wide in the north. The beaches start from Saida town, and continue up to Ras-Es Sakhr6-in the north.

The coastal highway runs along the beach. All lights from the road shine onto the beach. Erosion is present, probably due to the road construction. Sand accumulation has stopped completely. The beach is easily accessible. To the south of Saida town, a solid waste dumping area is located on the coast. Sewage from the town of Saida is discharged into the sea, causing much pollution of the sea and an awful smell. Nevertheless, many people use the beach for swimming.

The entire beach is flat and there are no sand dunes present, apart from some embryonic dunes to the rear of the beach. However, it seems that sand dunes have been present here in former times, and have been destroyed.

Nesting reported by local fishermen. Nesting potential low. The beach would be physically suitable for nesting, but its location within the town of Saida causes too much human interferences.

None.

19

Fig. Map of the middle part of Lebanon with beach sections N15

20

- N19.

Er Rmaile S-10 Coordinates:

33'39'N, 35"24',E 0.9 km.

Varying between 20 and 40 metres.

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 2.13.

Length:

widrh: EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description: Beach use:

Sand dunes:

1

06_0655.

The beach conslsts of fine sand.

Er Rmaile beach has been privatised. lt starts at the tourist facilities called Dream Club in the North, and ends at the La Cote Doree Club. A road lies behind the beach. The whole beach is covered by sun umbrellas, sun beds and other daily use facilities.

Public access is not allowed and private property signs are in place by all the paid entrances. The wire fences between each facility reaches down into sea. There is very heavy beach use.

None.

Marine turtles:

No evidence for nesting found. Local residents reported turtle nesting in the past, but not recently. Accidental nesting may occur. The beach would be suitable according to beach morphology, but is low due to heavy tourist use.

Protection:

None.

Jiye Beach s-l

1

Coordinates: Length:

33040'N, 35'25'E

width:

Varying between 10 and 35 metres.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 3.1, B 3.2.

Beach use:

1.6 km (total length).

None.

Large sandy beach, rising with a gentle slope. The beach is natu-

rally intersected by some rocks and artificially by some constructions including a jetty which leads to a small island off the coast.

A dirt road runs immediately behind the beach over a few hundred metres. In some parts, the beach is first gently sloping, but then rises steeply towards agricultural land in the rear. Vegetation there incfudes Sea Holly, Eryngium maritimum.

The beach starts from the Refinery in the South. There is a groyne (to prevent longshore drift) built into the sea in the north, which is already causing erosion. There are litter problems both in the sea and on the beach. A side road behind the beach is used by local residents. Two and three floor apartments are located behind the beach. The south end of beach near the Refinery is used daily by tourists. To the north of the beach, by the sea wall, sand extraction and levelling has recently taken place to establish a private beach. The municipality of Jiye has leased the beach to private enterprise.

21

Sand dunes:

None.

Marine turtles:

Local fishermen and residents from Jiye reported in 2001 occasional sea turtle nesting. No indications for nesting in 2004. The nesting potential is low due to constructions on the beach, and light pollution from the Refinery.

Protection:

None.

Damour Beach S-12 Coordinates: Length:

width:

33'42'N, 35'26'E - 33'44'N, 35"26'E 1.2 km.

Mostly varying between 20 and 40 metres, but up to 80 m in the north.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .24, B 1.44,8 1.84.

1

06_0654.

The beach begins at the end of the Mina Es Saadiyat rocks in the South, and continues towards El Kharayeb. lt is mostly narrow with large areas of shingle and gravel. The southern end of the beach is wide with fine sand, but near El Khiam it becomes narrow. From there it continues to be quite narrow along the edge of the agricultural lands (mostly banana plantations), widening again

by Tall Er Rsas. Sandy area is found there behind a line of flat beach rocks and a natural beach rampart. The sandy area has typicaf sand dune vegetation. This includes Xanthium strumarium, Echium plantagineum, and Cappar.s sprnosa, indicating a higher succession stage of the dune (fixed grey dune). At a place where irrigation water from the banana plantation is discharged onto the beach, a dune slack is found with vegetation clearly distinct from the surrounding. Beach erosion occurs along the entire shore line.

The southern end of the beach is occupied by the tourist facilities of Mina Es Saadiyat Al Khiam. From some points, beach access is limited through military checkpoints.

Small rests of former sand dunes, with a dune slack (incoming freshwater from irrigated fields).

Marine turtles:

Turtle nesting was reported 2001 by an old local resident. No nesting evidence was observed that year, except for an old possibly false nest. In 2004, a possible old nest was found in the northern part. The nesting potential is low. The sandy parts are covered by tourist facilities. Otherwise, the beach is physically less suited for turtle nesting. Nesting in the northern parts may only occur when turtle females get over the flat beach rocks.

Protection:

None.

22

Beirut Airport Beach S-12A Coordinates:

33048'N, 35"29',E

Length:

0.2 km.

Mostly only 10 m wide, or even less.

Habitat types B 1.21.

width: EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

None (taking photographs interdicted).

Very narrow beach in front of the runway of Beirut International Airport. As the beach is so narrow, all of it belongs to the splash zone and is regularly inundated by higher waves. The beach consists of fine sand. Concrete walls protect the coast against the sea immediately behind the sand beach. Those parts which belong to the airport are not accessible. Some other parts border the coastal road.

Beach use:

None. Sewage is discharged into the sea through pipes crossing the beach.

Sand dunes:

None.

Marine turtles:

No indications for turtle nesting found in 2004.

Protection:

None.

Beirut City Beach S-128 Coordinates: Length:

33050'N, 35'29'E

width:

approx. 70 m wide.

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1.24.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Protection:

1.2 km.

None.

Sand beach situated within the City of Beirut and used as public beach. Practically no gravel and shingle. Gently sloping from the sea. A road runs parallel to the beach in the rear.

The beach is much frequented by visitors using it for swimming and sun-bathing. lt is regularly cleaned from garbage washed ashore and litter left by visitors. The beach is also flattened with the help of caterpillars.

None. There had been sand dunes here before, but they have been flattened and excavated.

No indications for turtle nesting found in 2004. Turtle nesting potential very low due to its location within the City of Beirut and its heavy tourist use.

None.

23

Jouni6 N-l3A Coordinates:

33059'N, 35"39'E

Length:

approx. 0.4 km.

width:

approximately 10 to 15 metres.

Habitat Wpes B 2.2, B 2.3.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use:

Sand dunes:

105_0589, 105_0590.

Situated within the town of Juniye. Relatively steeply increasing beach with much gravel and less sand.

There is construction work around the beach, affecting the beach itself. Some sand and gravel extraction occurs. The beach is used for entering the sea, although the physical structure of the beach does not make it a much preferred one for visitors. Also a road runs parallel to the beach in close distance.

None.

Marine turtles:

No indications for turtle nesting found in 2004. The nesting potential is very low due to the physical structure of the beach and its location within a town.

Protection:

None.

El-Aaqaibe Beach (Mouth of Nahr lbrahim) N-13 Goordinates: Length:

34"04'N, 35"39'E 1.0 km (total length).

width:

Up to approx. 40 metres.

EUNIS habitat

Habitat types B 1.21, B 2.13, B 2.3, B 2.5.

classification: Photographs: Description:

Beach use:

05_0591, 1 05_0592, 1 05_0593.

Mostly gravel with a few sandy areas. There is fine sand at the southern end. The beach includes also the mouth of Nahr lbrahim. At both sides of the river mouth, the beach is relatively steeply increasing, and consists mostly of coarse-grained gravel.

Places with sand are mostly covered with a layer of coarse shingle. During summer, the river does not reach the sea due to low water level: a narrow land bridge separates the river from the sea then.

The beach is situated in the small town of El-Aaqaibe, the population of which increases significantly during summer. A fishing harbour (El Mina) was built at the southern end of the sandy beach in the late 1990s. From the fishing harbour to the northern end, the beach is covered during summer with tourist facilities such as sun beds, tables, chairs, and umbrellas. There are summerhouses to the rear of the beach. Several retaining walls have been built in front of the houses to protect their foundation against the sea. These walls, however, give rise to beach erosion. There are regularly fishermen around the mouth of Nahr lbrahim.

Sand dunes:

None.

1

24

Marine turtles:

Protection:

Turtle nesting was reported in the past by local people. No evL dence was found during the 2001 and 20O4 surveys. Nesting may occur accidentally. The northern section of the beach could have some limited nesting potential if tourist facilities were removed at night.

None.

Santa Preri Beaches N-138 Coordinates:

34005'N, 35'39'E

Length:

0.3 km.

width:

Nowhere wider than 20 metres.

Habitat types B 1.21.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

105_0594, 105_0595.

The Santa Preri Beach is a tourist beach situated to the south of Halat. lt is very narrow and consists of fine sand, and there are steep rocky slopes immediately to the rear of the beach.

Beach use:

These beach belongs to some hotels situated at the beach, and sun beds, umbrellas, etc. are found on the beach.

Sand dunes:

None.

Marine turtles:

No indication for turtle nesting, and nesting may occur only accidentally. Despite the fact that the beach consists of fine sand, it is too narrow for turtle nesting, and the tourist pressure is much too high.

Protection:

None.

Jbail (Byblos) Beaches N-14 Coordinates:

34"07'N, 35'38'E

Length:

1.4 km.

width:

Up to 40-60 metres at places, but mostly narrower.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .8411.85, B 2.1, B 2.5.

105_0596, 105_0597, 105_0598 (these three photographs from the south of Byblos), 105_0599, 105_0600, 105_0601 (from the north).

Description:

Beach use:

The Jbail (Byblos) beach are divided in two by the town of Jbail.

Both beaches show the same characteristics - fine sand with gently rising slopes. There is very small area at the southern end where some sand dunes could develop. In a moist and wet sand dunes sfack, some vegetation such as reed Phragmites ausfralis and shrub is growing.

These beaches are very popular with tourists, and are covered with sun beds, umbrellas, tables and chairs. There are private enterprise facilities for daily use. The facilities are also open at

25

night time, and their lights illuminate the beaches. On both beaches, the tourist facilities are in the middle of the beach.

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Protection:

Thee are some small rests of former sand dunes, and a dune slack where Common Reed is growing.

Fishermen reported in 2001 often seeing Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas in the sea, and also nesting of C. caretta on the beach. Nesting may occur only accidentally. There are some places with a beach morphology suitable for turtle nesting, but the tourist pressure is much too high.

None.

El-Heri N-15 Coordinates: Length:

34"18'N, 35'42'E 1.2 km.

width:

30 metres.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 2.13.

Beach use:

Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Protection:

None.

El-Heri beach lies in a bay on a typical rocky coastal stretch of North Lebanon. lt is divided by the Cement Factory port. The southwest end of the beach is narrow through artificial causes, but after 230 metres the beach enlarges, and continues right up to Chekka. From the Southwest to the Factory port, the beach is about 50 metres wide, with fine sand. After the port the beach becomes very narrow and is not accessible.

The southwest end of the beach is full of hotels and their facilities.

Most of the beach is covered by a concrete promenade. Walls to prevent longshore drift (Groynes) have been erected towards the sea. The remaining small sandy sections have been eroded.

There are tourist facilities with accommodation all the way to the factory.

None.

No evidence observed. Nesting potential is low, the beach morphology would allow some nesting.

None.

26

36'00'E

Fig. Map of the northern part of Lebanon with beach sections N15

27

- N19.

El-Minie N-16 Coordinates:

34029'N,35"55'E

Length:

0.5 km.

Varying between 20 and 30 metres.

width: EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description: Beach use: Sand dunes: Marine turtles:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 2.1.

None.

Small sandy beach, with gravel in some sections.

There are tourist facilities on the beach, and a litter problem.

None.

No evidence observed. Nesting may occur accidentally;

the

beach morphology would allow some turtle nesting.

Protection:

None.

Palm lsland N-17 Coordinates:

34030'N, 35"46'E.

Length:

The overall area of the reserve is 5 km2. The Palm lsland has an area of 200.000 m2. The length of the nesting beach is 200 metres.

The width of the only potential turtle nesting beach is approx. 30 me-

width:

tres.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 2.1, B 2.4, B 2.5.

None.

The Palm lslands Nature Reserve comprises a group of three flat, rocky islands of eroded limestone pavement, 5.5 km offshore and northwest of Tripoli, with the surrounding seas: Sanani (4 ha), Ramkine (1.6 ha) and Palm lsland (20 ha). Palm lsland, the largest of the three islands, has no obvious relief. lts highest point is only about 6m above sea level. There is an earthen midsection with a rocky shoreline extending from the northwest to the south, and a sandy beach extending from the north to the east. The sandy beach has a peculiar biological origin. lt mostly consists of the skeletons of marine benthic foraminifers, with an admixture of tiny gastropod shells and parts of skeletons and spines of echinoderms, resulting in a very light "sand". Dimensions of the beach change throughout the year, being influenced by bad weather and the direction of water currents (Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, pers. comm.). The critically endangered seal Monachus monachus was a regular visitor until the late 1960s. In 1997 and 2000 some individuals were recorded again. Palm lsland, commonly known as Rabbit lsland, featured a large population of rabbits, introduced there in the late 50's. The rabbits had to be removed, since they ate the many rare plants that survive in this salty environment and the newly planted palm trees. The plant species Euphorbia pithyusa and Cressa crefica are nationally endangered. Benthos fauna encompasses two nationally threatened gastropod species:

28

Beach use:

Vermetus triquetrus and Dendropoma petraeum. There are two gfobally endangered fish species, namely Epinephe/us marginafus and Mycteroperca rubra.

There is some litter problem. Today, the islands have no inhabitants, but on Palm lsland, fragments of pottery, a freshwater well, old Salinas and the remains of a church built at the times of the Crusaders are evidence of past periods of human occupation.

Ramkine lsland contains cannon emplacements and underground galleries built early this century and an old lighthouse, fitted recently with solar power. Parts of the Reserve are open for swimming and snorkelling during the summer months, but the remainder of the year, it remains a quiet haven for wildlife.

Sand dunes:

None.

Marine turtles:

The Reserve Area Management Team confirmed that marine turtles have often been observed in the sea, and that loggerhead nesting has occurred. The Team recorded 3 nests in 1997,8In 1998, 36 in 1999 and 36 in 2000. Marine turtles are continuing to

Protection:

nest on Palm lsland, although more recent comprehensive figures are not available. lt must be noted that the only nesting beach on the islands is only 200 m long.

The three islands Sanani (4 ha), Ramkine (1.6 ha) and Palm lsland (20 ha) together with 500 m of their surrounding sea, have been legally protected as 'Palm lslands Nature Reserve", which was established in 1992. The Reserve has been designated a Mediterranean Specially Protected Area under the Barcelona Convention, an lmportant Bird Area IBA by BirdLife International, as well as Wetland of Special lnternational lmportance.

29

r,, ]E o fiql

Fig. Map of Palm lsland.

El-Aabd6 N-18 Coordinates:

34"31'N, 35o57'E (north), 34"30'N, 35"56'E (south).

Length:

approx. 3.0 km.

width:

Varying between 5 and 30 metres.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs: Description:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 2.13.

106_0608, 106_0609.

The beaches start from the El Aabd6 new fishing port, and continue north to the Lebbane River (Nahr Lebbane) near Cheikh Zennad. The beaches to the south, especially those close to the Palestinian Refugee Camp "Camp de Nahr Bared" are very narrow and have hardly sandy parts. From El Aabde northwards, the beaches are artificially narrowed by sea walls, the fishing port and the coastal road. The road is being repaired and upgraded in 2004, and it now runs over a long stretch directly along the shore line, with only some concrete constructions between the road and the sea. Local people reported that the beaches were wider in the past.

30

Beach use:

Solid waste that has been dumped inland is being carried to the sea by the rivers and streams in the area. Although dumping has been stopped by the government, clean-up and rehabilitation action is required, and individual dumps need to be controlled. From the Aarqa River to Cheikh Zennad, local fishermen with their boats on the beach are commonly observed. South of Cheikh Zennad access is limited by a military checkpoint. The beaches are traditionally used by the local people for recreation. The entire coastline is heavily polluted. The litter problem is more intense here because the solid waste from Tripoli is being dumped along the coast. Especially near the Aarqa River there are beaches consisting of thick layers of plastic waste. From El Aabde to the Aarqa River, beaches are eroded and have almost disappeared.

Sand dunes:

None.

Marine turtles:

Some turtle nesting was reported by local people and fishermen.

They also reported observing dead turtles on the beach (both Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta). Fishermen report seeing both species at sea, and as incidental by-catch by nets. The beaches are mostly very narrow, gravely and thus not suitable for nesting. Occasional nesting may occur.

Protection:

None.

Cheikh Zennad N-l9 Coordinates: Length:

Approx. 3.0 km (total length), with 1.0 km of it sandy beach.

width:

Varying between 10 and 60 metres.

EUNIS habitat classification: Photographs:

Habitat types B 1.21, B 1 .32,8 2.13, B 3.1, B 3.2.

Description:

Beach use:

34037'N, 35"59'E.

106_0610, 106_061 1, 106_0612, 106_0613, 106_0622, 106_0623, 106_0624, 106_0625, 106_0626, 106_0627, 1 06_0628 (sandy part: 1 06_0614, 1 06_061 5, 1 06-061 6, 106_0617, 106_061 8, 106_0619, 106_0620, 1 06_0621 ).

This beach lies between the Cheikh Zennad village and the ElKebir River (Nahr El-Kabir), which defines the Syrian border with Lebanon. Most of the coastline consists of flat beach rocks. Shingle covered with soil and vegetation immediately follow these rocks on the land side. The only sandy part of the beach was found to the immediate north of the village Cheikh Zennad, starting at the mouth of Nahr Ostouene [Estouene]. This part of the beach is some 1.0 km long, and up to 60 m wide. The rear parts of the sand dune are more or less densely vegetated with grasses Poaceae (Gramineae). Also sea lavender Limonium aff . narbonense (t. angustifolium) and the thistle Echinophora sprnosa has been found there. Although being highly suitable for turtle nesting, it is much affected by sand extraction by the villagers, and a thick cover with garbage.

The beach is mainly used by fishermen from nearby settlements, particularly at the river mouth, and public access is limited due to security restrictions at the border. Sand extraction is a serious

31

problem at the only sandy part of the beach: the natural sand dunes have already been flattened and there are many vehicle tracks and pits on the beach, demonstrating the regular sand extraction.

Sand dunes:

Marlne turtles:

Protection:

There is a small stretch of the coast to the immediate north of Cheikh Zennad, which had formerly apparently been a dune area.

However, the area has completely been flattened, and sand extraction is still going on. Nevertheless, some plant species typical for sand dunes are found there.

Fishermen reported nesting of marine turtles on the beach and incidental catch. The relatively small sand beach next to Cheikh Zennad would be suitable for nesting None.

32

References Newbury, N., M. Khalil & L. Venizelos (2002): Population status and conservation of marine turtles at El-Mansouri, Lebanon. - Zoology in the Middle East 27: 4740.

Demirayak, F., R. Sadek, S. Hraoui-Bloquet & M. Khalil (2002): Marine Turtle Nesting Activity Assessment on the Lebanese Coast. Phase l. Survey to identify nesting sites and fishery interaction. - UNEP RAC/SPA & MEDASSET, &t pp.

Demirayak, F., L. Venizelos, R. Sadek, S. Hraoui & M. Khalil (2002): Marine Turtle Conservation in the Mediterranean - Lebanon: A first survey for Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta in Lebanon. - Proceedings of the Twenty Second Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. Miami.

Kasparek, M. (1995): The nesting of marine turtles on the coast of Syria. the Middle East 11: 5142, Heidelberg.

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Zoology in

Kasparek, M., B. J. Godley & A. C. Broderick (2001): Nesting of the Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Mediterranean Sea: a review of status and conservation needs. - Zoology in the Middle East 24:4*74, Heidelberg.

St. John, F., M. Khalil & L. Venizelos (2004): Marine Turtle Nesting in South Lebanon 2003. - MEDASSET, unpubl. report (18 pp.).

UNEP/MAP, RAC/SPA (1999): Revised Action Plan for the Conservation of Mediterranean Marine Turtles as adopted by the contrasting parties Annex lV, Appendix Vlll In: Report of the 11th Ordinary Meeting of the Contracting Parties for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution and its protocols UNEP (OCAy MED lG 1219, Tunis.

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Annexe: EUNIS Habitat Classification (based on EUNIS version 2.3 of 28.2.2002')

List of habitat types for "Goastal habitats (B)"

1 Goastal dune and sand habitats 1

-

Angiosperm communities of sand beach driftlines 3

2

3

4

6

7

-

-

-

Tethyan sand beach driftline communities

Sand beaches above the driftline 1

Unvegetated sand beaches above the driftline

2

Biocenosis of supraliftoral sands

4

Sandy beach ridges with no or low vegetation

5

Sandy beach ridges dominated by shrubs or trees

Shifting coastal dunes 1

Embryonic shifting dunes

2

White dunes

Coastal stable dune grassland (grey dunes) 4

East Mediterranean fixed grey dunes

7

Dune fine-grass annual communities

I

Dune Mediterranean xeric grassland

- Coastal dune scrub 1

Coastal dune thickets

3

Dune puniperusl thickets

4

Dune sclerophyllous scrubs and thickets

- Coastal dune woods 1

2

I-

Coastal brown dunes covered with natural or almost natural coniferous forest, e.g. Pinus silvestris Coastal brown dunes covered with deciduous forest (Fagus; Betula, Quercus)

Moist and wet dune slacks 1

Dune-slack pioner swards

34

2

Dune-slack fens

3

Dune-slack grassland and heaths

4

Dune-slack reedbeds, sedgebeds and canebeds

5

Coastal dunes: wet dune slacks: dominated by shrubs or trees

2 Coastal shingle habitats 1

- Shingle beach driftline habitats 3

Gravel beach communities of the Mediterranean region

- Unvegetated mobile shingle beaches above the driftline 3 - Upper shingle beaches with open vegetation

2

- Fixed shingle beaches, with herbaceous vegetation 5 - Shingle and gravel beaches with scrub vegetation

4

6

- Shingle and gravelwoodland

3 Rock cliffs, ledges and shores, including supralittoral (sub-categories not shown here) 1

-

Supralittoral rock (lichen or splash zone)

2

-

Unvegetated rock cliffs, ledges, shores and islets

3

-

Rock cliffs, ledges and shores, with halophytic angiosperms

4

- Soft sea-cliffs, often vegetated

35

This study is a joint effort by MSC Environment, MedWetCoast and MEDASSET

nlHtlh[ffi

MEDASSET MEDITERRANEAN ASSOCIATION TO SAVE THE SEATURTLES

36