CANA - CNRS, A Scientific Vessel For Lebanon

With the keen understanding that marine ecosystems possess vast
temporal and spatial scales and dynamics which interact with the land
and the atmosphere, and increasingly, with socio-economic systems; on
April 3, 2009 and under the patronage of the Presidency of the Council
of Ministers and in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Lebanon,
and in the presence of notable Italian and Lebanese authorities, the
CNRS inaugurated the CANA-CNRS Marine Research Vessel, the first of
its kind in the Middle East.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, CNRS

59, Zahia Salmane Street, Jnah
P.O. Box: 11-8281, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: + 961 1 850 125 | Fax: + 961 1 822 639
Website: www.cnrs.edu.lb
E-mail: canaproject@cnrs.edu.lb
Visit our website: www.cana-cnrs.gov.lb
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored

in retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission
of the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Establishing Monitoring and Sustainable

Development of the Lebanese Sea
Establishing Monitoring and Sustainable

Development of the Lebanese Sea
Herein lies the History of a Vessel, the Workings of a Project, and

the Promise of Sustainable Development
A history of a vessel that tells us the chronicle of arduous efforts and
continuous challenges, gratification, enterprise, knowledge and much
more.
The CANA-CNRS Research Vessel, a former fishing trawler, reveals the
story of success based on mutual support and collaboration resulting in
placing science at the service of the Lebanese community.
The CANA Project on Establishing Monitoring and Sustainable
Development of the Lebanese Sea tells us mainly the story of two
countries partnering for the sake of reaching sustainable development,
preserving the environment, and contributing to the advancement of
scientific research.
Basic research and applied science have found their home in the vessel,
hand in hand with free spaces; peculiarities of the Lebanese sea; and a
community of managers, scientific researchers and technicians lavishing
efforts to unravel the mysteries hidden below the waters surface.
As we celebrate 50 years since the establishment of the National Council
for Scientific Research (CNRS) in 1962; the CNRS has endeavoured to
enhance its role in scientific research and increase its services to the
Lebanese community. Throughout the years of its existence, and through
its regular Grant Research Programme (GRP) and Associated Research
Units (ARU), the CNRS has strived to support with significant human,
scientific and financial resources the Lebanese scientific community
towards guaranteeing a positive impact in priority scientific fields while
keeping track of community development as a whole.
In 2009, a new vision was developed to implement crucial initiatives
and projects in the field of Marine Research. No sooner was the need
for a Scientific Marine Research Vessel put forward, that the Italian
Government bought the vessel and transferred ownership to the CNRS
which named the vessel CANA in recognition of the same town in
II
CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon
III
the South and its symbol in the eyes of the Lebanese people, but also
because of its cultural and historical significance
This is where the adventure of CANA began.
It has always been recognized that the Mediterranean basin shares a
common destiny in good and bad times. The throb of the Mediterranean
Sea accompanied its civilizations for hundreds of thousands of years,
thrusting peoples towards exchanging cultures, development and goods
and facing challenges, crises and conflicts.
Lebanon and Italy have capitalized on existing and established relations
to implement an enduring and comprehensive collaboration aiming at
providing actual and long term benefits to both sides. Together, we have
engaged in a unique partnership benefiting both countries through
the common efforts undertaken by several institutions to improve the
environment in the Mediterranean.
The CANA-CNRS Research Vessel and the subsequent CANA Project is a
tangible sign of this fruitful collaboration.
A collaboration towards detecting, assessing, predicting and mitigating
the common challenges we face: (1) in nurturing sustainable
development in areas subject to enormous pressure, primarily induced
by human activities; (2) the effects of persistent and systematic stress
factors on ecosystem processes critical for living population structures
and community interactions; (3) significant socioeconomic effects on
human communities and living conditions, health and welfare in coastal
areas; and (4) the combined effects of global climate change and human
induced alterations of the environment, particularly pronounced in the
coastal areas where population densities are rapidly increasing.
of the various tasks foreseen within the project, and outlined within.
From the time when CANA was just an idea on paper, and well into its
inception and implementation phase, it has been a true honour and
pleasure to work closely with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/
General Directorate for Development Cooperation, the Italian Embassy
and Development Cooperation Office (UTL) in Lebanon, the CIHEAM
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (IAM, Bari), the Council for
Development and Reconstruction (CDR) in Lebanon, and a number of
esteemed colleagues and experts working in various fields of Marine
Sciences.
The continuous support and assistance received are but an extension of
the long standing friendship and cooperation between two countries;
for this and much more, we are truly thankful.
We hope you will share our adventure by turning the pages of this book,
and delve with us into the journey and workings of CANA: the Research
Vessel and the Project.
MOUN HAMZ
Secretary General of the CNRS
PMU Chairman of the CANA Project
In facing these challenges, through an interdisciplinary and

multidimensional approach to environmental research and management,
CANA-CNRS becomes an essential tool for Lebanese researchers and
the international scientific community: rendering a lasting and reliable
service towards protecting, restoring and managing the environment;
reinforcing marine research while creating a new generation of scientists
and researchers working in this field; establishing an international
institutional support and exchange network; and creating solid scientific
bases towards building a sustainable future for the Mediterranean.
For the past two years, the CANA-CNRS vessel has worked to advance
the project by undertaking various missions for hydro-biological analyses
highlighting the hot spots of chemical and organic pollution, sampling
plankton, analysis of meiofauna, study of cetacean, and biodiversity
conservation; it has efficiently contributed towards the implementation
IV
This boat represents a unique occasion to exchange, with other

researchers, knowledge and information about the Mediterranean Sea
and to look for common strategies. This aspect is also strengthened by
the fact that an important component of the project is training, in Italy
and in Lebanon, of CNRS researchers.
The largest part of our planet is covered by seas, from where most
of the world population draws its animal protein intake, our economies
depend largely on maritime exchanges and, last but not least, our
modern energy is a legacy of prehistoric sea life. Our history developed
along coast lines where culture, traditions and knowledge evolved
among different societies. Nevertheless, we still know so little about it
and its dynamics. Too often the sea represents a resource exploitation
spot and too often the final dumping site of our rejects.
This book represents a statement of their efforts and their passion. To

whom and to their Italian colleagues go my warm thanks for the goals
accomplished and my best wishes for the work yet to be done, in order
to ensure an environmentally friendly and efficient management of the
Mediterranean Sea and its resources.
The Italian Ambassador to Lebanon,

His Excellency GIUSEPPE MORABITO
The Mediterranean Sea makes no exceptions. Being a enclosed

sea with over 15 countries sharing its waters and its resources, its
management cannot be reduced to a mere affirmation of sovereignty
and commercial exploitations as this approach will eventually lead to an
increase of tension and significant environmental concerns. Instead, its
characteristics should lead us to a different scenario where, in line with
the latest international laws, resources are managed trough agreements
ensuring sustainability for present and future generations rather than
applying the first come first served approach. Each country has its
share of responsibility and shall thus contribute to its management
accordingly. Research and awareness are among these responsibilities
and Italy strongly believes in this approach, as it is clearly demonstrated
by the environmental initiatives funded in Lebanon, where sustainable
resource management is the main tool to ensure environmental
mainstreaming in all sectors of the Country.
Today I am proud to witness that Italy merged its efforts with Lebanon
into the CANA research vessel, allowing the Lebanese National Council
for Scientific Research to perform important marine studies and ensuring
that a proper data collection and research protocol that will provide
Lebanese policymakers and administrators with tools to protect and
manage their share of the Mediterranean. Another important aspect I
want to underline is that Italy participated in the CANA Project through
several institutions, different for juridical statute and competencies, but
united to reach the same goal: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Italian
Cooperation, IAM Bari, Federpesca and CNR.
VI
VII
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BLUEBOXES AND TESTIMONIES
Introduction
The National Council For Scientific Research (CNRS)
Territorial Context
Inauguration Cerimony Of The CANA-CNRS Vessel & Project
13
The Vessel
10
Project Management
19
The Project
17
National Centre For Geophysical Research
20
Research Activities
23
National Centre For Marine Sciences
20
Outcomes
36
The Donor
21
Challenges And Perspectives
49
Testimony: Guido Benevento
22
A New Bathymetric Chart For Lebanon
24
Testimony: Alessandra Savini
27
Status Of The Marine Biodiversity In Lebanon:

An Overview
30
Dolphins In Beirut Offshore
32
Joint Consultation Mission
37
Testimony: Angelo Tursi
38
Testimony: Roberto Ugolini
43
November On CANA
46
Testimony: Jacopo Monzini
50
CANA Goes Green
53
Task 1
54
Task 2
55
Task 3
56
Task 4
57
Task 5
58
INTRODUCTION
The Mediterranean Sea is not only a physical place but also a rich
imaginary journey back through time, touching on places, myths and
cultures and spanning distances from Greece to Rome, from Carthage
to Alexandria, from the Bosphorus to Les chelles du Levant.
The Mediterranean is a closed sea at the crossroads of three continents,
and a waterway that enables an active exchange among different
cultures and populations; and where, not surprisingly, philosophy,
literature, and sciences have flourished for thousands of years.
Mediterranean Basin
Today the Mediterranean is a sea under siege and while its coastal
resources are now under threat of ecological collapse due to
mismanagement and abuse; social and political crises such as war,
poverty, immigration, and political strife have also taken their toll on
natural resources.
Although the Mediterranean Sea covers only one per cent of the
worlds marine area, it contains some six per cent of its marine species.
Among these, some of the worlds most endangered species can be
found.
In Lebanon, the countrys main economic and social activities are
concentrated along the Mediterranean coast. The environmental risks
associated with such activities are having a negative impact on the
marine ecosystem. In addition to that, increasing coastal industrial
activities are affecting peoples quality of life. Future development will
require an integrated vision and approach that considers economic
parameters, as well as environmental impacts.
Within this framework, the Lebanese
Government, its institutions, and the
National Council for Scientific Research
(CNRS) intend to give the coastal
development process a new importance
in an integrated approach that takes
into consideration economic activities
such as tourism, fisheries, aquaculture,
trade and infrastructure needs; as well
as the productive sector such as roads,
markets, houses, hotel construction,
and maintenance services; in addition,
the welfare of coastal communities and
environmental safety have to play a major
role.
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
The National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) is a public institution,
and the main scientific and Research & Development (R&D) institution in
Lebanon. Reporting directly to the President of the Council of Ministers, the
CNRS is an autonomous institution administered by a Board of Administrators
and a General Secretariat headed by the Secretary General.
Since its establishment by law, 50 years ago, on 14 September 1962, it has
strived to enhance its role in scientific research both in its advisory capacity:
linking scientific research with national policy and advising the government on
all science and technology issues; as well as through its executive capacity to
promote and realize these policies in programmes of action implemented in its
own research centres or in collaboration with other academic, research and
development institutions: locally, regionally and internationally.
As part of its main mission, the objective of the CNRS is to develop and
support scientific research in Lebanon and to direct that research to respond
to the needs and socio-economic development of the country and to the
evolution of science, research and development worldwide.
THE CNRS ALSO MANAGES AND CONDUCTS RESEARCH THROUGH ITS

FOUR AFFILIATED AND SPECIALIZED CENTRES:
National Centre for Geophysics
National Centre for Marine Sciences
National Centre for Remote Sensing
Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission
TERRITORIAL CONTEXT
waste dumping along the shoreline. Wastewaters from urban areas

are being discharged without adequate treatment or monitoring into
the hydrological network or directly into the Mediterranean, raising a
potential public health hazard. The efficiencies of the operating plants,
which are mostly small-scale community-based wastewater treatment
plants, are not adequate to comply with international standards for
treated wastewater. According to the CNRS - National Centre for Marine
Sciences, coastal waters in several areas are unfit for bathing due to high
bacteriological contamination.
The Lebanese coastal zone extends over approximately 150,000

ha of coastal plains and hills with a coastline length of 220Km. Until
1975, the urban structure in Lebanon was organised around few poles
of regional growth, mainly located along the coast.
During the civil war years (1975-1990), urban structure underwent
major transformation in terms of urban hierarchy and development,
population distribution, and regional dynamics of growth. The country
witnessed a double movement of decentralisation and multi-polarisation
of the civil and economic space. As a result the narrow coastal strip from
Tripoli in the north to Tyre in the south has become one long stretch of
densely populated urban settlements - randomly built and lacking in
services.
These circumstances have had a severe impact on Lebanons
fragile environment through accelerated and chaotic urbanisation,
encroachment on coastal plains, traditional rural land abandonment
and degradation, forest destruction, saline water intrusion into aquifers,
dumping of solid and liquid wastes on land and in coastal waters. This
widespread landscape degradation and the neglect of natural and scenic
areas had a serious negative impact on Lebanons biodiversity.
According to UNEP, the total built-up area along the coastal zone in
1995-1996 was estimated at 40,000 ha which represents approximately
26% of the surface area of the coastal zone. According to various
sources, the current coastal urbanization ranges between 40% and
55%. The METAP / World Bank report issued in 2009 claims that, if kept
unchecked, this trend could lead to a total urbanization of the narrow
Lebanese coastal corridor by 2025 and carry more than 85% of the
Lebanese population.
Lebanese coastal waters are polluted primarily as a result of direct
sewage and industrial effluent discharges into the sea, as well as solid
Bacteriological water quality
THE VESSEL
Shortly after, the initiative received the consent and support of the
Presidency of the Council of Ministers and every encouragement from
the Lebanese Army, which has agreed to house and provide maintenance
of the Vessel at the Naval Base in Beirut.
The Italian government bought the vessel - an Italian trawler named
Rosa Marina - and transferred ownership to the CNRS which named the
vessel CANA in symbolic recognition of the same town in the South
and what it represents to the Lebanese people culturally and historically.
In the wake of the devastating war and aggression of Israel in the

summer of 2006, and within the framework of existing cooperation
between the CNRS and Italian institutions, particularly The Mediterranean
Agronomic Institute of Bari (MAIB; CIHEAM-Bari) affiliated to the
International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies
(CIHEAM); and in light of the deepening marine crisis caused by the
Israeli bombing of the Jiyeh power plant and the subsequent oil spill;
The vessel Rosa Marina, built in 1996 at the shipyard of Ortona Navi
S.p.A. (Ortona, Abruzzo, Italy) was registered at the port Bari in the
Apulia region, and dedicated to trawling activities on the bottoms of the
area located between Adriatic and Ionian Sea
In May 2008, in light of the CNRS high
priority for the study and the protection
of the Lebanese marine ecosystem, work
commenced on the vessel to renovate and
refurbish it for scientific research purposes
(according to the Reg UE 2792/99) and
convert it into a scientific vessel specialized
in marine and environmental research.
The Italian Government proposed a valuable donation in the

form of a scientific vessel aimed at supporting marine studies and
research in Lebanon.
The CANA-CNRS Research vessel would facilitate the ability of the CNRS
to plan and execute scientific investigations in the sea independently thereby reducing the existing knowledge gap and constraints within
Marine Research studies in Lebanon.
The vessel, in Ortona, underwent the first

essential rehabilitation of all engines and
hydraulics instruments and was equipped
with the necessary laboratories and
training rooms.
The vessel was then transferred to the
port of Mola, Italy, where all safety
equipment was installed, as well as
scientific equipment including: a zodiac
boat, a remotely operated underwater
vehicle (ROV) with the capacity to film up
to 200 m depth, instruments to measure
the physical and chemical characteristics
of sea water, microscopes, in addition to a
bacteriological laboratory.
Fishermen on Rosa Marina retrieving trawling nets in front of Apulia coats
10
The refurbishment of the vessel held in the shipyards

of Ortona
11
On December 16, 2008 at the port of Bari, the Lebanese flag was
hoisted on the CANA-CNRS research vessel. Manned by a LebaneseItalian crew, the vessel sailed to Lebanon, reaching the Beirut Naval Base
on the morning of December 22, 2008.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
OF THE CANA-CNRS VESSEL & PROJECT
Flag changing ceremony onboard of CANA-CNRS vessel.
On April 3, 2009 and under the patronage of the Presidency of the

Council of Ministers, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Lebanon,
and in the presence of notable Italian and Lebanese authorities, the
CNRS inaugurated the CANA-CNRS marine research vessel, the first of
its kind in the Middle East.
The CANA vessel is an important step

forward towards deepening the knowledge of
the Lebanese coast line. It not only constitutes
an important opportunity to promote marine
and environmental research and data collection
for management and conservation of natural
resources, but also promotes linkages between
the various cultures that are rooted in the
Mediterranean basin.
H.E. GABRIELE CHECCHIA, Ambassador of
Italy in Lebanon
Official Inauguration of the CANA-CNRS vessel
12
13
Ce bateau scientifique, joliment baptis

CANA-CNRS, Monsieur le Premier Ministre, est,
partir de ce moment, fonctionne au service de
la recherche scientifique libanaise. Le projet du
bateau CANA est pour nous tous, un signe tangible
du succs de notre coopration mditerranenne,
symbole extraordinaire damiti entre les peuples.
Le CANA-CNRS va bientt sillonner les eaux de
cette belle mer qui unit nos rives, nos cultures et
nos espoirs de paix et de prosprit.
Je remercie Son Excellence Monsieur le Premier
Ministre Fouad Siniora et tout le Liban, bien
reprsent cette belle crmonie, pour avoir
toujours entretenu des relations damitis
avec notre organisation, et davoir particip
efficacement au dveloppement de ce territoire
mditerranen, connu pour sa fragilit et ses
conflits, mais o on a le plaisir de vivre.
Le directeur de lInstitut Agronomique
Mditerranen- IAM de Bari, Cosimo
Lacirignola
14
15
The CANA-CNRS Vessel, 27 meters length with a gross weight of 123

tons, features a tapered steel hull that provides stability and a safe
cruising speed of 8-10 knots.
THE PROJECT
CANA-CNRS vessel description

Name
R/V CANA-CNRS
Year of construction
1996
Shipping
Mediterranean shipping
Yard
Ortona Navi
Mooring Port
Beirut Military Harbour
Hull
Steel
Gross Tonnage
123
Length Overall
27.17 m
Loaded Waterline Length
Length 21.99 m
Beam (Width)
7m
Engine
900 Hp
Speed
12 knots
Crew
3 people
At present, the vessel is moored at the Military Naval Base in Beirut under
the responsibility of the Captain: Michel Youssef - 20 years of experience
in the Lebanese Army - and his crew: George Nachar mechanic with
23 years of experience in the Lebanese Army, and George Touma sailor
with 12 years of experience in the Lebanese Army.
In parallel to the above initiative, the CNRS in collaboration with

the Development Cooperation Office of the Italian Embassy in Lebanon,
the CIHEAM-Bari Institute and the Council for Development and
Reconstruction (CDR, Lebanon), developed a Lebanese-Italian project
proposal with the main objective of supporting marine research in
Lebanon.
On April 2, 2009; a 3-year cooperation agreement was signed between
the Government of the Italian Republic - represented by H.E. Ambassador
Gabriele Checchia - and the CNRS - represented by the president of
the Board of Administrators, George Tohm and the Secretary General,
Moun Hamz - for the execution and implementation of the initiative
and project Establishing Monitoring and Sustainable Development of
the Lebanese Sea co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/
Italian Cooperation and the Lebanese National Council for Scientific
Research (CNRS).
Signing of the cooperation agreement for the implementation of the CANA Project
16
17
The overall objective of the project is to increase the available knowledge

of coastal and marine environments towards preparing guidelines for
an integrated coastal policy. The project intends to prepare a complete
picture of the condition of the sea and its resources aimed at identifying
sustainable and relevant economic approaches to the activities along the
coastline of Lebanon.
THE CANA PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Steering Committee (SC) is the body that provides the strategic guidance
to the project. It is composed as follows:
George Tohm
CNRS President of the Board of Directors - SC Chairman
Moun Hamz
CNRS Secretary General - PMU Chairman
Palma DAmbrosio
First Secretary of the Italian Embassy
Guido Benevento
Director of the Italian Cooperation Office (UTL)
Wafaa Sharafeddine
CDR representative
Teodoro Massimo Miano Italian technical expert
Flags on CANA-CNRS Research Vessel
The CANA Project is divided into 6 tasks, responding to the

complexity of the project. One task is dedicated to management
of the project, working to support five major scientific tasks/fields
of intervention, as follows:
1. Sea Physical Environment (bathymetry of the coastal area)
Project Management Unit (PMU) is the Secretariat of the SC. Members attend
SC meetings, providing the necessary background, information and facilitating
services. The PMU meets regularly to deliberate and take decisions toward the
active implementation of the project. Its composition is as follows:
Moun Hamz
CNRS Secretary General - PMU Chairman
Alexandre Sursock
CNRS Director of the National Centre for

Geophysics - Task Project Manager
Gaby Khalaf
CNRS Director of the National Centre for

Marine Sciences - Task Project Manager
Stefano Lelli
Scientific Project Coordinator
Jacopo Monzini
Representative of the Italian Cooperation

Office (UTL)
Rula Atweh
CNRS Research Assistant - Project

Officer
2. Hydrology, hydrobiology and biodiversity

3. Mammalian and fishery (halieutic marine resources)
4. Coastal pollution
5. Scientific dissemination
These five technical tasks/components are managed by the two CNRS
National Centres for Geophysical Research and for Marine Sciences.
18
19
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH
The National Centre for Geophysical Research
(NCGR) was established in 1975 by the
Lebanese Government as a successor of
the Observatory of Ksara, run by the Jesuit
Fathers since 1909, which was due to cease
its operations. We are proud of this legacy:
a century that represents a considerable
amount of works in geophysics reflecting the
importance of this discipline in Lebanon.
Accordingly, besides other mandates, the
Governments decree establishing the Centre
pinpoints its primary mission as the seismic
and tectonic monitoring of the Lebanese
area to improve the understanding of the
earthquake hazards we are exposed to. Since
1980, the NCGR keeps a 24/7 watch of
seismic activity for near real-time localization
of events. As of January 2011, the national
seismic network GRAL ( http://www.cnrs.edu.
lb/gral/The_Network.html ) is rich of 8 stations
and expanding. Specialists and the public may
find on the web seismic activity monthly and
annual bulletins and maps ( http://www.cnrs.
edu.lb/research/grdownload.html ).
In this same framework, the Centre has
conducted over the last decade a number of
critical projects: among them, reconstruction
of the history of large earthquakes over
12,000 years; study of the deformation of
the crust with GPS space geodesy; marine
geophysics covering almost the whole
maritime domain of Lebanon. These works
constitute a great step forward in our
understanding of the geology and growth of
Mount Lebanon.
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR

MARINE SCIENCES
THE DONOR
The National Centre for Marine Sciences

(NCMS) was established in 1977. The
decision to establish such a centre was the
national response, by the CNRS, to the 1972
Stockholm Conference.
The Italian Cooperation represents the General Directorate for

Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the executive body
managing development aids distributed to beneficiary countries, as it is also a
fundamental part of the Italian Foreign Policy.
The main mandates of the centre are:
With around 70 projects ongoing or in pipeline for an overall amount of funds,

including the initiatives already concluded, equal to almost 240 million of Euros
divided between soft loans and grants, Italy is strongly involved in the process
of reconstruction and development of Lebanon. According to recent OECD data,
Italy represents the third main donor in Lebanon, after France and USA, while,
considering the overall amount of aid since 2006, Lebanon is the second recipient
of Italian development aids (after Afghanistan).
Monitoring of the coastal zone by creating a

national network of observation, modelling
of the cycles of the contaminants and usage
of the bio-indicators.
Evaluation of the specific diversity by
characterizing the invasive species and their
habitats.
Production, transformation and transfer
the matter in the coastal and marine
ecosystems.
The Centres major research interests
include the effects of marine pollution on
plankton and community structure, drift and
coastal currents, environmental monitoring,
recreational water quality, marine chemistry,
coastal sediments, impact of coastal structures
on habitat, biodiversity, and contingency
planning.
In the field of environment and water, with an overall investment of almost 100
million Euros (76 million as loans and over 20 millions as grants) Italy represents
one of the main donors active in the Environmental sector. The implemented
initiatives focus especially on waste management, irrigation canals construction/
rehabilitation, waste water treatment plants construction, forest fire prevention,
Protected Area protection with the collaboration of the Italian Civil Protection and
Marine Environmental research and conservation.
The library of the centre is open to the

specialists and interested public. It provides
analytical services, documentation services to
students and professionals.
As a main project output, guidelines for a strategic approach for

sustainable coastal development will be drawn based on the technical
and scientific results of the project, as well as stakeholders interest
analysis.
20
21
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
TASK 1: SEA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT (BATHYMETRY OF

THE COASTAL AREA)
The offshore coastal strip, object of task one of the project, is
characterized by a very narrow continental shelf, crossed by deep
canyons that, from a short distance from the coast, go down to depths
of one thousand meters. The seabed topography is the continuation of
inland geomorphology with its almost absent coastal plain on which
the main Lebanese cities have developed, and
a steep mountain belt exceeding in elevation
3000 meters 20 km from the coast. The
submarine canyons are nothing else than the
continuation of steep inland valleys which
correspond, more or less to active tectonic
faults.
22
Can scientific research and development

cooperation merge? Indeed, CANA Boat
is an initiative that perfectly answers that
question.
bathymetric maps of the coastline,

environmental monitoring, underwater
explorationthat have already been put
into use by ministries and policymakers.
Researchers of the highest caliber are

engaging in development initiatives
and their contributions are continuously
enhancing Cooperation resources. These
contributions include scientific research as
well as tools that support the development
of some of Lebanons key economic
sectorsincluding maritime trade and
transport, fisheries, and tourism. And,
for the first time in Lebanon and in the
Levantine Sea, science has enabled
the production of remarkable studies
I am convinced that by reading this

book, among all of the other important
messages, it will become clear that such
scientific initiatives are not only locally
relevant, but are also important for the
whole Mediterranean Sea. It constitutes
a milestone and important step in the
formation of a large network of joint
research and shared regional development.
Eng. GUIDO BENEVENTO, Director

Italian Cooperation Office (UTL)
Given these premises, mapping the

topography of the seabed, and producing a
morpho-bathymetric map represent a priority
for Lebanon in order to valorise the biological
and cultural resources of the sea. In the frame
of the Task 1 of the CANA project, the CNRSNational Centre for Geophysical Research
(NCGR) intends to conduct a bathymetric
study in the area of coastal shallow waters,
and to complete studies already executed in
2003 by the French-Lebanese team and the
IFREMER.
In July 2010 and July 2011, under the mandate of the International
Hydrographic Organization, the French institute SHOM surveyed the
approaches of some harbors giving an idea of the means needed in a
study of the Lebanese coastal zone. A member of the NCGR staff was
onboard and was associated to the operations.
23
THE SHALIMAR BATHYMETRIC SURVEY

During September and October 2003, in the framework
of a French-Lebanese partner-ship, the R/V Le Surot of
the Ifremer fleet surveyed an area extending 100 km off
the shores of Lebanon in order to complement the land
studies about the exposure of the country to seismic risk.
One of the main outcomes of this survey (code-named
SHALI-MAR) was this new multibeam bathymetric map.
The main objective of the SHALIMAR cruise was to study
recent deformation, including seismic faulting, offshore
Lebanon in the Mediterranean, using a combination
of marine geological and geophysical techniques.
Such deformation has been inferred from neo-tectonic
studies on land to be linked with the formation of
Mount Lebanon, itself a result of crustal shortening
in the restraining bend of the Dead Sea fault system
represented by the Yammouneh fault.
The sea-floor bathymetric coverage was obtained using
the SIMRAD EM300 multibeam sounder. Particularly
remarkable is the very steep bathymetric gradient near
the shore between Beirut and Tripoli. Here, the water
depth increases from 100 m to 1500 m in less than 5
km. The base of this steep topographic front is bounded
by slope breaks that appear to mark active, stepping,
oblique thrusts. In deep water between Saida and Tripoli,
the seafloor is uplifted, warped by folds, cut by fault
scarps, and incised by flat-floored canyons (probably
turbidite channels) down-slope from the deep river
gorges seen on land.
We interpret these features, whose evolution has been
interdependent, to result from Plio-Quaternary movement
on interacting, active thrust and lateral ramps. Several
of the ramps appear to be submarine continuations of
faults documented ashore. The strikes of fold axes and
of deviated or abandoned submarine canyons imply
NW-SE to WNW-ESE shortening, consistent with the
growth and rise of Mount Lebanon. In fact, the strongest
deformation visible on the seafloor faces the steepest,
highest relief and the place where the great Harissa
flexure of the Mesozoic strata that bounds the west side
of the Mt Lebanon mega-anticline tangents the coastline.
Such deformation, and the more than 4.5 km elevation
difference in less than 30 km suggest that it is the most
ac-tively growing mountain range in the Mediterranean.
24
South of Beirut, particularly south of Saida, the submarine

bathymetric gradients are less steep. Two shallow (less
than 500 m below sea level), gently seaward sloping
shelves, with smooth surfaces extend 6 to 8 km from
shore, facing the Beirut platform and the Nabatiyeh
plateau. They are separated by three merging canyons.
One of them trends approximately NS and is roughly
aligned with the base of the Beirut-Saida shelf slope
and the most prominent lateral ramp west of Beirut and
Jounieh. It likely repre-sents a west step of the Roum
fault, itself an oblique sinistral thrust ramp. In deeper water farther west, a couple of roughly parallel, NE-trending
channels may be guided by underlying folds, consistent
with the regional NW-SE shortening direction.
A NEW BATHYMETRIC CHART FOR LEBANON

Sea Floor Relief Map
Scale 1:200.000
The Shalimar Cruise
IFREMER-IPGP-CNRS
(2003)
South of the Litani deep-water channel, and in the

extreme north, offshore the Akkar plain, the continental
slope is typical of that of passive margins. Yet in the
south, at 1200 to 1500 m depths on either side of the
Litani channel, there are numerous, small, closely spaced,
NE-trending scarps that attest to young, distributed
dip-slip faulting. These faults appear to be normal and
form an en echelon, west-stepping, dextral array. Finally,
at the southern extremity of our survey, we observed
NW-trending normal fault scarps aligned with the Mt
Carmel-Haifa fault, which does not appear to extend far
into the Levant basin.
Of the large submarine deep-water channels, only the
Nahr el Kelb and Nahr Ibrahim canyons reach the abyssal
plain of the Levantine basin, whose gentle morphology
is characterized by large fields of dune or ripple-like
features.
The northwestern extremity of the survey area reaches
the structure of the Kyrenia ridge, in order to compare
folding and thrusting offshore Mt Lebanon with
shortening due to north-directed subduction under the
Cyprean Arc. It confirmed, in particular, that the Roum
fault does not continue north of 34.5N, all the way to
the Cyprus plate-boundary, as previously suggested by
some authors. Rather, it appears to act simply as a lateral
ramp of the offshore Mt Lebanon fold and thrust belt.
(Adapted from the Shalimar team report)
25
Crucial importance had been given to the selection of a seabed mapping

system capable of meeting all relevant projects needs and international
standards. An Italian/Lebanese working group had been appointed for
backing the selection phase and all challenging steps that the project
will eventually face. The contract for the purchase of a high resolution
Multibeam Echosounder system (MBES) along with an integrated highly
accurate Positioning System has been awarded to a leading company of
the sector. At the time of publishing of this book, the MBES system has
been delivered and is being tested in order to finalize the installation and
start running first tests at sea as soon as possible.
I have been involved within the CANA
project as a member of the international
group of experts in seafloor mapping
that was established in July 2010, by the
Project Steering Committee. The group
is supporting the project activities of the
task one of the project, which concerns the
bathymetry of coastal waters of Lebanon.
In particular, the task 1 of the project
was designed to take actions aimed at
completing the high resolution bathymetric
chart of the coastal zone of Lebanon.
The coastal strip of Lebanon is characterized
by a very narrow continental margin cut
by deep canyons. The unknown part of this
area extends up to ten kilometres from the
shoreline, in a range of depths between 0
to 1500m. To reach the objective of the
task one and to complete the acquisition
of high resolution bathymetric data, that
begun with the IFREMER cruise (thus
connecting the offshore data with the
observed inland geological structures), a
dedicated oceanographic survey has to
be carried out in order to collect proper
geophysical data.
As suggested in the context of the mission
held in Lebanon in October 2010 meant for
discussing on how to collect those data and
on the preferable geophysical device to be
selected, the acquisition of new data should
be performed by the use of a modern
medium to high-frequency Multi-Beam
Echo-Sounder (MBES), designed to acquire
bathymetric data from medium to shallow
26
depth. Indeed, to complete the seafloor

mapping of the EEZ of Lebanon, the depth
belt that must be surveyed range from 10
to at least 600m of water depth. A MBES
survey planned to acquire data in such a
depth range will definitely fill the gaps of
multibeam bathymetric information along
the Lebanese seafloor and will considerably
improve the knowledge about seafloor
features, partially mapped and identified on
the upper slope, by the survey carried out
in 2003. These features might be indeed
key-seafloor features to interpret and
assess the geological and geomorphologic
framework of the EEZ of Lebanon.
Since multibeam bathymetric data
represents the necessary starting point
for modern marine research in a number
of studies (marine geology, marine
geophysics, marine biology, marine
chemistry, marine ecology, marine
archaeology ), I really hope that the
acquisition of a new MBES system (able to
collect those bathymetric data that will fill
the gaps in Lebanon seafloor mapping) will
fully support the development of a proper
management of the Lebanon coastal waters
and will especially promote the growing
of the Lebanese marine research team,
fostering its capacity to carry out marine
researches.
ALESSANDRA SAVINI, Marine
Geologist, Assistant Professor at the
University of Milan La Bicocca
27
TASK 2: HYDROLOGY, HYDROBIOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY

Through the Hydrology, hydrobiology and biodiversity task, the
project aims to determine the interactions between biological and
hydrological parameters in different marine ecosystems, by studying
vertical and seasonal variations of physicochemical parameters,
plankton populations, and examining the sediments and the associated
fauna. It will also study and analyse the macro-benthos and nekton of
the Lebanese coastal waters.
The global ocean ecosystem is essentially dependent upon plankton,
an often unseen, vast, and generally microscopic group of organisms.
Phytoplankton, the plankton that lives in
euphotic layer where there is sufficient
light to support photosynthesis, is the
original source of food for nearly all higher
microscopic and macroscopic marine
organisms.
terraces. Italian consultants are supporting CNRS staff on methodologies,

equipments and strategic actions. Most of the equipments needed for
this task have been acquired such as the water sampling system, multiparameter probe CTD, and the grab. These systems of new generation
will be used at their best through training courses and support provided
by international experts.
Moreover, the task of mapping and analysis of this biodiversity may
support the identification of stakeholders priorities and interests leading
to a correct identification of conservation areas and, in general, to an
efficient management of the coastal zone.
In the oceans, those ubiquitous microscopic

organisms account for approximately
half the production of organic matter on
Earth. For this reason, taken as a whole,
phytoplankton represents a category of life
on Earth that has a profound global effect.
Plankton is usually microscopic, with some
macroscopic species ranging from several
millimetres up to 15 meters in length for the
largest jellyfish. Plankton is either unable or
has limited swimming ability, and are thus
unable to swim against currents. However,
many plankton species are able to control
their vertical position in the water column.
Dinoflagellates
(on the bottom)
and diatoms (on
the top) represent
a large fraction of
the phytoplankton
in Lebanese
coastal waters.
Pictures by Marie
Abboud-Abi Saab
28
Picture by M. Abboud Abi-Saab
Nekton includes many organisms that can

swim freely and are generally independent
of currents, such as fishes and squids.
Benthic organisms (or benthos) are those
that live on, in, or near the seafloor. Many animals considered classic
examples of nekton and benthos start out their life as tiny members of
the plankton and gradually transition to their final shape as they grow.
A well-adjusted system of sampling surveys and analyses is carried out
seasonally by the CNRS-National Centre for Marine Sciences (NCMS)
on water column, sediments, soft and hard bottoms and wave-washed
Sampling activities
29
STATUS OF THE MARINE BIODIVERSITY

IN LEBANON: AN OVERVIEW
Marine biodiversity is under increasingly
significant pressure, frequently of anthropic
origin, which causes degradation and
regression of species in such vast ecosystem.
The threats to animal and vegetal species
are numerous and vary from one species to
another and from one region to another. The
main threats may be summarized as follows:
- Dumping of domestic and industrial sewage
- Dumping of solid waste
- Uncontrolled mismanagement of coastal
areas
- Landfills and backfills
- Intensive fishing and use of explosives
- Modification of sediment streams and
coastal sand extraction
- Competition with invasive species
- Tourist activities and trampling
Hence there is the need to establish strategies
and actions for the valorisation and the
protection towards the conservation and
sustainable management of the marine and
coastal biodiversity.
In its strategy STIP (Science and Technology
Innovation Policy), the Lebanese CNRS has
chosen a rather ambitious program for
research and development of the Lebanese
marine environment that includes several
actions aiming at introducing new elements
30
for the protection and at undertaking

a continuous monitoring of the marine
biodiversity.
CANA project, along with the donation of the
scientific vessel CANA-CNRS itself, and with
the assistance of different Italian scientific
institutions, provided the essential tools
(hardware, technical expertise, training...) for
the execution of activities in marine and its
biodiversity.
The results already obtained are quite
conclusive as to the loss of several species
both vegetal and animal, the destruction of
vermetid platform and seagrass beds, the
depletion of fish stocks and crustaceans, the
turtle migration, the stranding of cetaceans,
the invasion of alien species and their
settlement to the detriment of local species ...
The CANA project in its task dissemination
is spreading the obtained results for a
better regulation of the Lebanese marine
environment and for a sustainable
management aimed to maintain natural
resources as undamaged as possible for future
generations.
GABY KHALAF, Director of the CNRS
National Centre for Marine Sciences
TASK 3: MAMMALIAN AND FISHERY (HALIEUTIC

MARINE RESOURCES)
The main output of the third task is the protection plan both for
mammalian and fishery resources on the basis of qualitative evaluation
of marine fauna. Research and studies on the Cetaceans in the Lebanese
waters aim at detecting the existence of their
habitats, their areas of distribution and density,
their status and development, their proliferation
and migration patterns and routes, breeding
areas and food requirements.
Different investigations that spread over
several days have been carried out in order
to scientifically observe cetacean habits and
trends. This was done with the support of
cameras, recording machines and software
for detecting their routes. The mammalian
scientific campaign is connected to the
ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation
of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean
Sea, and Contiguous Atlantic Area) project.
This is a cooperative tool for the conservation
of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean
and Black Seas, focusing on the presence of
cetacean, their identification, their abundance,
and their area of distribution.
Capture fisheries and aquaculture are
considered as a strategic component of the
CANA project. Both sectors are strictly related to
economic and strategic interests. Interventions
not carefully planned may easily lead to
frictions between and within groups. Therefore
the project has entered into a collaboration
with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture
(MoA) in order to maximise the effectiveness
of its efforts, creating synergies with the
actors involved in the sector. The objective is
to prepare guidelines that could be used to
develop the fishery and aquaculture sectors
within the framework of collaboration between
the CNRS and the MoA. Technical support has
been provided by the CANA project in order to
assess and identify aquaculture perspectives in
Lebanon and to develop possible pilot projects.
Fishermen of Tyre
The fishing port of Dora
31
DOLPHINS IN BEIRUT OFFSHORE

Dolphins have been observed in Lebanese
waters and sometimes they are caught
accidentally by fishermen. Observation
campaigns are underway for species
monitoring and studies aiming at the
identification of important areas for
protection, similar to other areas of the
Mediterranean Sea.
The areas of distribution and abundance of
cetacean populations present in the Levantine
basin of the Mediterranean region are for the
majority unknown, this is the case also for
Lebanese water.
This task of the CANA-CNRS project aims to
detect the existence of cetaceans habitats
in addition to their areas of distribution in
TASK 4: COASTAL POLLUTION

the Lebanese waters for the implementation
of suitable measurements of conservation,
allowing also for the identification of a map
of cetaceans distributions and density along
the Lebanese coastal water.
This study aims to enhance the awareness
of the Lebanese citizens, fishermen and
stakeholders to show the importance of the
cetaceans and their role in marine tropic chain
and the ecological balance. The creation of a
map of cetaceans populations distributions
and density may be useful as scientific tool in
order to encourage ecotourism and propose
possible actions to reduce the catching of the
dolphins by the fishing gears.
The Coastal pollution task is concerned with human activities causing

pollution and performs measurements of chemical contamination
levels along the Lebanese coast, in addition to bacteriological, organic
(hydrocarbon) and metallic contaminants. The main output is the
pollution risk map and the proposal for coastal protection.
Coastal and estuarine ecosystems have been deeply influenced by
the increase in human pressure through pollution and habitat loss.
Coastal pollution and its related impacts have resulted in a number of
environmental issues including the accumulation of organic matter in
enclosed waters, pollution by chemicals such as oil or pesticides, and
sedimentation due to land-based activities. Over 80% of all marine
pollution originates from land-based sources which are primarily
industrial, agricultural, and urban.
Potential contamination sources in Ramlet el Bayda (Beirut). This public beach is

highly polluted by microbial contaminants
Twenty-five sampling points were chosen for bacteriological study

along the Lebanese coast. Moreover, sixteen sampling points were
also selected for the study of heavy metal contaminants in biota and
sediments according to their significance or because of their proximity
to potential sources of chemical contamination. Most of the equipments
needed, both for water column and sediment analysis have been
purchased. These systems of new generation will be used at their best
capitalizing training courses intended for the staff and the backing
support of international experts.
32
33
TASK 5: SCIENTIFIC DISSEMINATION

As part of the task Scientific Dissemination, the Project developed
mechanisms for the distribution of relevant information within the
Lebanese community and stakeholders. This was done by running
stakeholder analyses, seminars, consultations and dissemination of
project results. The activities undertaken promoted research, improved
the awareness of civil society to the essential value of the environment
and biodiversity, educated key actors in marine related sectors, and gave
sustainability to the project actions.
Beirut. Oil spill from the Jiyeh power plant during the war of 2006
The focus of the CNRS in the marine field is the coordination of the
activities of the CANA project between the CNRS Research Centres on
the one hand, and the public and private bodies active in this field, on
the other. Determining the significance of various project activities to
Lebanons social and economic context is of special importance.
Activities of data collection on board of CANA-CNRS vessel
34
Dissemination activity on board the CANA-CNRS Vessel, held by CANA Project Staff
35
OUTCOMES
the vessel a number of esteemed international experts, well known

in their field of research, and who have actively provided support to
the project and its tasks: working under the direction of the project
Management Unit (PMU) and in close collaboration with project staff
to identify weak and strong points, and to recommended the use of
equipment and methodologies to sustain project actions.
JOINT CONSULTATION MISSION

HIGH LEVEL SUPPORT
The preparation of a strategic proposal that regulates the main social
and economic activities along the Lebanese coast needs high level
support. For this reason, CNRS decided to jointly elaborate a proposal
and to delegate, through a service contract, some technical and financial
implementation aspects of the project to CIHEAM IAM, Bari with
which the CNRS has already concluded a long term agreement.
A joint consultation mission of Italian experts:

Stefano Cataudella, Guiseppe Lembo,
Angelo Tursi and Biagio Di Terlizzi of IAMB
was organized in the framework of the
agreement between CNRS and IAM, Bari
signed on March 7, 2010; which undertook
fundamental deliberations towards the
definition of future collaboration with other
Italian experts for the implementation of
project tasks and the creation of the basis for
the realization of training courses intended
for Lebanese staff. The mission took place
between June 29 and July 2, 2010. Mission

members worked jointly or independently to
establish the ground for a long-lasting and
reliable collaboration and scientific support to
the Project.
The mission included site visits on the
Cana vessel and to different CNRS Centres
and laboratories involved in the Project. In
addition, a number of Meetings with field
personnel and project stakeholders were held,
as was a visit to the Dora port.
On March 7, 2010; the signing of the IAM, Bari Technical Assistance Contract
between the CNRS (Moun Hamz, Secretary General) and IAM, Bari (Cosimo
Lacirignola, Director) in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Agriculture,
H.E. Hussein Hajj Hassan and Vedat Mir Mahmutoullari, Undersecretary of the
Minister of Agriculture of Turkey
Within the support and framework of the Service Contract with IAM,
Bari; a number of missions have been carried out by senior Italian experts
to support the various technical tasks of the project.
The CANA Project has thus had the opportunity to welcome onboard
36
International experts supporting field activities of the project
37
IMPROVEMENT OF THE VESSEL AND ITS FACILITIES

The purchase of research equipment foreseen in the framework of the
CANA Project is key for the implementation of the project. The most
relevant equipments for water sampling and analysis and for the detection
of the seafloor have been acquired by the project and are at present
in Lebanon and at the disposal of the project and its implementation.
First tests have been run in order to get the staff acquainted with these
new devices. Others will be performed during the following months.
Moreover, the CANA project is constantly undertaking the renovation
and the maintenance work on the vessel as well as routine repairs and
cleaning on board.
The vessel underwent major renovations on its structure, the axle of the
propeller and its engine in the summer of 2011.
I returned to Beirut after an absence of

more than twenty-five years. I was here in
the 1980s, as part of an education project
funded by the European Commission on the
subject of marine ecology. For a couple of
years, I had the opportunity to cooperate
with a group of students, in Beirut (more
precisely in Byblos and Jounieh) and in Bari,
Puglia, where I still teach today. My return
was filled with emotions. I found the same
friendliness and professionalism that I once
knew - as if time did not go by. Professor
Marie Abboud-Abi Saab, planktologist
continues to publish and to work as she
used to do, surrounded by a group of
young collaborators. My other colleagues
in the Laboratory (CNRS - National Centre
for Marine Sciences in Batroun) continue
to implement research activities devoted
to the study of benthic communities
and oceanographic characteristics of the
Lebanese marine waters.
It is my firm belief that it is not possible
to postpone any longer the need to
upgrade the scientific knowledge of the
whole Mediterranean, in particular in the
38
Middle Eastern countries, using the most

innovative methodologies available. A
comprehensive perspective, at a basin
scale, of the entire Mediterranean Sea
should be put into practice using local
expertise that still exists on the ground.
This expertise should be employed before
their retirement and supported by a group
of young people trained and interested in
the topic. These researchers ought to be
available to study in Italy, or elsewhere in
Europe, for at least six months or more,
before returning to Lebanon to apply what
they have learned.
My trip to Lebanon revealed to me that
these potentialities are available. They are
waiting for someone to transform them into
real opportunities. My University is ready to
receive and train the necessary researchers
thereby strengthening the feelings of
friendship which bind our two peoples.
ANGELO TURSI, Full Professor of
Ecology at the University of Bari Aldo
Moro
The CANA-CNRS vessel under

maintanenace in the dry-dock
of Tripoli, in summer 2011
39
Training courses
Training courses and capacity building are essential for the full
achievement of the objectives and the sustainability of the activities
implemented by the project, working on three levels of capacity
building, towards a qualitative leap forward in Lebanons overall marine
research capacities:
1. Upgrading and building capacities of senior researchers who can
appropriately set the strategies of the country on the one hand,
whilst also transferring their knowledge and initiating a potential
multiplier effect on the other hand
2. Organizing or facilitating the access of young researchers, technicians,
and the crew of the vessel to training and information sessions
3. Assisting and supporting the development of Lebanese marine
professionals, focusing on research areas and expertise not currently
available in Lebanon.
Training organized in Bari, Italy (November 21-27, 2010) by COISPA and in close
coordination with the IAM, Bari focusing on the collection of data concerning
fishing capacity; collection of socio-economic data; commercial landings; and
stock assessment.
Data collection
Oceanographic data collection is well established for both physical
and biological parameters, and regular and continuous campaigns
are performed in a number of stations during the whole year. The
CNRS staff involved in this task has been enlarged, as requested by
the task managers, with the addition of students and trainees from
various Lebanese universities as well as researchers. In addition, by
implementing different methodologies of study and by means of the
remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the project provided a comprehensive
40
study on biodiversity of the Lebanese coastal waters, mapping and

reporting more than 500 species.
Capture fisheries and aquaculture

A collaborative effort with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) on the
subject of capture fisheries and aquaculture aims at the implementation
of a reliable system of data collection and analysis on fisheries and at
the development of an adequate system of aquaculture. Moreover,
in view of creating comprehensive synergies, coordination meetings
have been carried out at the presence of the Italian Cooperation and
the MoA with the representatives of FAOs EastMed Project. Those
meetings, held in the Summer of 2011, aim at creating a reliable and
sustainable system of fishing meetings, held in summer of 2011, aimed
at creating a reliable and sustainable system of fishing catch and effort
assessment in Lebanon. Starting the year 2010, a Research Assistant of
the CANA Project is constantly attending seminars and workshops on
data collection and analysis organized by EastMed.
Participation of staff of CANA project to the EastMed workshop held in Kavala,

Greece on February 22, 2011
Road Map for Aquaculture

It is expected that during 2011 approximately 51% of fish eaten in the
world will be from aquaculture. Therefore, a comprehensive approach
to fisheries management should consider aquaculture as part of the
same system. That is why a whole system of business supported by law,
as well as the improvement of the conditions of fishermen is needed.
At the same time, Marine Protected Areas have to be established in
order to increase stocks available for fisheries thereby supporting the
wellbeing of the fishermen.
41
A major effort to develop a road map for assessment and identification

of aquaculture perspectives in Lebanon was performed. The Road
Map, prepared by Stefano Cataudella, current president of the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), considers
aquaculture as a priority for the country, and the CANA project as the
right tool for the identification phase and a feasibility
study for Lebanese aquaculture.
Consequently, and in responding to a request made by
the Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Hussein Hajj Hassan (Ref.
4824/2 on August 9, 2010); and based on the identified
priorities for the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture in
the sector of aquaculture, and in acknowledgement
of the importance of aquaculture in the diversification
of marine production, and in recognition of the role
of the CNRS and the CANA Project in enhancing the
Countrys development through the improvement of
scientific research and its applications: the CANA Project
established a consultancy with Roberto Ugolini, who
on a number of missions to Lebanon had the opportunity to meet with
various stakeholders and beneficiaries, and in continued consultation
with the Ministry and the CANA Project, undertook the necessary data
collection towards the feasibility Study.
The outcomes of the study, and the subsequent report on Sustainable
Aquaculture Development and Support to the Fishery Sector was officially
submitted to the Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Hussein Hajj Hassan, on
June 7, 2011; in the presence of the Director of the Italian Cooperation in
Lebanon, Guido Benevento; and representatives of the CNRS and CANA
Project, headed by Moun Hamz, Secretary General of the CNRS.
The report represents the essential starting point and a milestone for the
development plan of a reliable aquaculture system in Lebanon.
42
In Lebanon, about 75% of the population

lives near the coast, in the main cities
of Beirut, Tripoli, Tyre and Sidon and in
other small coastal towns. Very important
economic activities are concentrated along
the coast and the correlated environmental
risks are evident.
CNRS since many years is the
environmental coastal ranger, involved
in monitor surveys of the Lebanese
ecosystem, aiming at the preservation of
biodiversity for future generations.
It is a very important experience
for CNRS to work with the Lebanese
Institution and with IAM BARI, within
the context of projects financed by the
Italian Cooperation. The Institute has
the possibility to become autonomous in
the planning and execution of scientific
campaigns at sea, not to be conditioned
any more by losing influence by other
Countries and/or Scientific Institutes.
The donation of the CANA scientific vessel
has been finalized to prepare a complete
picture related to the sea condition and
its main natural resources, aiming at

identifying sustainable and relevant
economic approaches of the activities along
the coast line.
Lebanese friends and colleagues have
now an important technical instrument
to provide the Country Institutions
with the useful inputs related to the
development process on the coast, taking
into consideration the complexity of the
economic activities, from tourism to
fishery and aquaculture; from trade, to all
infrastructure needs connected with the
productive sectors.
All the Italian experts involved in the
project hope to have done their best to
provide support to the Lebanese territory
and to its communities, for which is
therefore crucial to have integrated vision
and approach taking into account both
economy and ecology needs.
ROBERTO UGOLINI, CIRSPE Project
Manager, aquaculture expert
43
CANA Days: two days dedicated to Aquaculture and

Bathymetry
On February 17 and 18, 2011 two roundtables on aquaculture and
coastal bathymetry involving international experts, Lebanese researchers
and authorities were organized within the framework of the CANA
Project and held at the CNRS Headquarters.
In accordance with its general goals, the CANA project is providing
technical support to the Lebanese Government on strategy and policy
pertaining to marine sciences. Thus, as a result of the cooperation
established between the Ministry of Agriculture and the CNRS for
conducting the aquaculture feasibility study, and under the patronage
of the Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Hussein Hajj Hassan, the first
CANA Day was devoted to a workshop on Aquaculture and Fishery
Development Strategies.
Lebanese fishermen is mandatory and will lead to the amelioration

of their living condition; otherwise aquaculture implementation risks
the marginalization of traditional fishery activity. In addition, the
environmental impact of aquaculture remains to be evaluated and the
establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) need be considered.
The second CANA Day was dedicated to the Coastal Bathymetry of
Lebanon. It was the occasion to review the results acquired during the
successful Shalimar oceanographic campaign conducted in October
2003 by a French-Lebanese team with the naval means of IFREMER
and its research vessel, Le Surot. During that campaign, among other
very important findings, a complex and intricate network of submarine
canyons was discovered off the coast of Central Lebanon. However,
due to the sizable draft of the Shalimar vessel, it was not able to cover
depths less than 200 meters, i.e. the continental plateau and slope.
With its lighter tonnage, the CANA-CNRS research vessel will be able
to survey shallower waters and map the existing gap; thereby giving
scientists and authorities a complete view of the continental shelf. No
need to say here that this information is of primary importance for
fishery, aquaculture, knowledge of submerged heritage and many other
industrial applications, such as pipeline and/or cable laying.
H.E. the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Hajj Hassan giving his welcome address
to the participants of the workshop on Aquaculture and Fishery Development
Strategies
It was agreed on by all parties that the efforts to develop aquaculture

cannot stand without the integration of scientific data. Major problems,
such as pollution, overfishing and illegal fishing, should be addressed in
parallel in order to create the basis for a durable industrial activity in this
field. Moreover, there is a broad consensus that the legal framework
should be updated and that the enforcement of existing laws made
more effective.
Moreover, social implications and the environmental impact have
to be carefully taken into consideration. The involvement of the
44
Panel discussion during the workshop on Coastal Bathymetry of Lebanon
Dissemination
Towards further visibility of the project, and dissemination of project
activities and results, task managers and project staff have participated
in workshops and scientific symposia and media presentation
The vessel also became the place for the implementation of training
45
courses and teaching campaigns that focus on marine resources and the
importance of the environmental protection and management, special
events on board the CANA-CNRS vessel, as well as planned specific
meetings on the vessel for University professors, students, ministry staff,
NGOs, divers, and municipalities.
NOVEMBER ON CANA
Within the framework of the CANA-CNRS
Project on Establishing Monitoring and
Sustainable Development of the Lebanese
Sea, the CNRS organized the first information
day on November 27, 2010: November on
CANA to introduce the CANA-CNRS Vessel,
the CANA Project, and the related tasks and
activities on board.
45 Participants took part in the event,
representing various Public and Private
Institutions, including: Ministries, NGOs,
Universities, and others. The Information
day, focused on Marine Pollution: Sources
of Pollution, Sampling Methodologies and
Sample Results. The training session was held
by the project task managers with the support

of the project staff.
The website
The official website of the project (www.cana-cnrs.gov.lb) plays a key role
in both, project visibility and project implementation. The prerequisite in
designing the website was to serve as a mean to an end rather than an
end in itself. The project website was thus developed with the intention
to answer to two different needs: the dissemination of related project
information to the general public, while also serving as an operative tool
for the project supervisors and technician to collect and process data,
and share relevant project documents.
During the day, an informative presentation

was given which highlighted the history and
the acquisition of the scientific vessel, as well
as the 5 tasks of the project: the bathymetry
of the coastal area; marine biodiversity
protection; halieutic marine resources; the
problem of coastal pollution; and scientific
dissemination of the results. The Vessel
then left its station at the Naval Base, for
a Scientific Marine Cruise in which further
demonstrations of sampling techniques were
presented by the task managers and the crew.
Inter-Institutional Linkages
Towards strengthening cooperation in scientific research between
Lebanon and Italy, The CANA project is also taking an active part in the
creation of an institutional network:
1- An agreement on scientific cooperation was signed on July 13,
2011 between the CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italy),
represented by its president, Luciano Maiani; and the CNRS
(Lebanon), represented by the President of the Board of Directors,
George Tohm; towards further strengthening collaboration in
scientific research and to promote and support cooperation between
qualified scientists in those areas of common interest to both parties.
Participants to a lecture on the subject of pollution given on the CANA-CNRS vessel (on the left). In the same
occasion practical activities were shown to the invities to show methodologies of data collection and analysis
46
The Agreement also provided provisions for a cooperative program

to establish joint research projects between Lebanese and Italian
researchers. The first call within the cooperative programme was
launched in the summer of 2011, with a focus on Marine Sciences
and Management of Natural Resources.
47
2- On August 5, 2011; a framework agreement on scientific cooperation

was signed between the Politecnico di Milano, represented by Rector
Delegate for cooperation and Development, Emanuela Colombo;
and the CNRS (Lebanon), represented by its Secretary General, Moun
Hamz; to promote activities and project of mutual interest; develop
studies and collaborative research; exchange of knowledge and
experience, exchange of documentation; and exchange of teachers,
researchers, technicians and students.
Within the upcoming actions, the co-operation programme of
the Framework Agreement will be defined on a yearly basis by a
committee of members belonging to the contracting parties.
CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES
The main challenge for marine research during the past decades
has been to explore and understand marine ecosystems with their vast
temporal and spatial scales and dynamics. It is now equally important
to understand their interactions with the land, atmosphere, and socioeconomic systems.
The increasing world population places an
ever-growing pressure on land-based resources
and an escalating demand for marine products.
In parallel, it is increasing the need for accurate
information regarding the sea, the seafloor and
the creatures living in it.
Marine research is increasingly becoming key to
strengthening the capabilities of the countries
for socio-economic progress while contributing
to the wellbeing and sustainable development
of human communities. The processes
activated by the CANA project aim at filling the
gap with developed countries and at bridging
policy makers and scientists to fully establish
the necessary confidence and partnership.
Notwithstanding, major questions still have to
be formulated and addressed:
- What kind of marine research is needed for
sustainable development?
- What are the specific needs of Lebanon in this
regard?
The CANA project is both an answer and a
challenge in itself.
48
49
The cost, scale, and complexity of marine studies demand clear

goals, international cooperation, and integrated plans. The road
is still long but the CANA project is planting its seeds:
Enhancing cooperation with concerned institution at local, regional
and international levels.
Demonstrating strong commitment to establish long-term observation
systems and data evaluation, providing for long-term time-series
datasets on the marine environment. Those are of crucial importance
to facilitate:
- Better understanding of ocean, earth and climate system processes;
- Monitoring the rate and scale of environmental change;
- Detecting of environmental hazards, risks and disasters;
- Effective policy making for the sustainable management of sea
and coastal areas.
Promoting the regional advancement and improvement of marine
research, through the acquired technical facilities of the project: such as
the vessel, the seafloor mapping system, and the water sampling system.
The relations between Italy and Lebanon

have a long lasting history that started
several centuries ago and hopefully will last
much longer. Lebanon is a multicultural and
complex country. Therefore its needs are
challenging, dissimilar and multifaceted.
Every effort towards development is hence
alchemy of different and various elements
and its results are often surprisingly
unexpected. Particularly, the first thing
every donor, agency and NGO perceives
is the unique resilience of the country
that below a shell of fragility hides a
tough core made of hard work, culture,
traditions and finally of a great human
capital. Cooperating with Lebanon is
50
therefore not just a mere distribution

of funds or technical assistance. It is a
fascinating experience. Proof is that here
at CNRS at every step of the project, even
the more difficult and intricate, we have
never been discussing about problems but
of different solutions. To a first sight, to
beginners, working in Lebanon might seams
complicate and, sometimes, absurd but if
one would just dare to listen and observe it
will clearly appear that, quoting Nietzsche,
one must have chaos within oneself, to give
birth to a dancing star.
JACOPO MONZINI, Italian Cooperation
Officer
Increasing knowledge and the continuous capacity building of

individuals, researchers, technicians, and the crew of the vessel that
will improve CNRS capacity and efficiency while also initiating a
positive multiplier effect for human capacity development in Marine
Research Fields in Lebanon.
Enhancing knowledge of the marine environment as a whole, its
physical and biological parameters and processes, with emphasis
upon its characteristic as a habitat for living resources, its geological
and geophysical properties, including non-living resources in shallow
and deep areas.
Continuing research and monitoring of marine pollution to measure
and assess the effects of human activities, notably those resulting in
degradation and contamination, especially in the coastal zones.
51
The challenge for marine science is therefore not only to address its
current role but to redefine its forthcoming objectives. The CANA
CNRS vessel represents the opportunity for widening the spectrum of
studies and analysis to the open sea and to create a new generation
of youth capable of using both the high quality equipments for
water measurements and the most sophisticated statistical and post
elaboration tools used in other countries. This process will be guided by
the joint action of the Lebanese and Italian researchers involved in the
project and it will lead to an increased capability of the Country itself
to face both the present environmental degradation and the upcoming
challenge of coastal sustainable development.

The CANA Project provides for an effective advance in knowledge

through the use of new methodologies and technologies. Research on
meiofauna, macrozoobenthos and ecotoxicology, among others, are
important tools for understanding the dynamics of the Lebanese marine
ecosystem and coming to grips with the negative impacts of pollution.
Moreover, thanks to the extensive support of the Italian Cooperation
in Lebanon, the project will complement the assessment of the fishing
catch and effort with a comprehensive map of the halieutic resources of
the Lebanese sea.
Meetings and trainings will be organized aiming at enlarging the
involvement of different sectors of the civil society and international
institutions. This will represent a further opportunity for the CANA
project to be a valuable tool for increasing knowledge and knowhow
in the Country.
CANA-CNRS Research Vessel
CANA GOES GREEN
CANA CNRS vessel represents the opportunity to create a new generation of

youth able to manage the challenge of a sustainable development of the Lebanese
coastal areas
52
Thanks to the generous effort of the Italian

Cooperation in Lebanon, solar panels will be
lined up on the vessel CANA-CNRS within
autumn 2011. This initiative reflects CNRS
strong commitment in leading a new season
of environmental awareness and reduction
of carbon emission in Lebanon. The vessels
architecture and the strong tractions that
may be produced during the navigation had
been carefully taken into consideration when
designing the plans. Therefore, the roof of the
cockpit will host m2 of high-efficiency solar

panels constantly producing 1,5kW.
Solar panels on CANA-CNRS vessel will not
save the Hearth from global warming but they
will be the clear symbol that reducing the use
of polluting and non-renewable sources of
energy is possible. The system will be able to
run appliances, lights, computer and other
electronic devices only through the power of
the sun.
53
TASK 1
TASK 2
SEA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
HYDROLOGY, HYDROBIOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY
Task Manager:
CNRS staff:
International consultant:
Alexandre Sursock
Rachid Jomaa, Lama Inati
Angelo Tursi
Alessandra Savini
Task Manager:
CNRS staff:
Local consultants:
International consultants:
The CANA-CNRS Research Vessel is being equipped with a Multi-Beam Echosounder System in order to
survey a strip of coastal waters 200 km long and 10 km wide with the aim to connect inland geomorphology
with the seabed relief already mapped during the bathymetric cruise SHALIMAR of 2003. This survey will
be a long process of exploration, accurate and detailed as necessary to fit the needs of pure scientific
objectives and applications as various as tsunami inundation modelling, coastal management, pipeline
laying, underwater archaeology, safety of navigation, etc. The task was designed having in mind other similar
projects, namely the Italian MAGIC project.
Marie Abboud Abi Saab

Marie-Trse Kassab,
Nada Mattar
Ghazi Bitar (Macrobenthos and Nekton)
Rita Mouawad (Meiobenthos)
Angelo Tursi
Nino Plastina
This task aims at determining the quality of marine waters, through studying vertical and temporal
variations of the physicchemical parameters and plankton populations and examining the sediments and
the associated fauna. It aims as well at studying and analysing macro-benthos and nekton of the Lebanese
coastal waters.
Expected results: marine biodiversity scientific evaluation

Indicators: scientific campaigns for 2 years
Expected results: detailed knowledge of the Lebanese coastal sea-floor.

Indicators: annual specific campaign
Outputs: coastal bathymetric map (200 km long, 10 km wide)
Activities implemented so far: Modelling of navigation tracks for optimization of cost and duration of
survey. The acquisition of high performance MBES equipment - installation on vessel is in progress.
54
Outputs: comprehensive biodiversity map / protection plan

Activities implemented so far: Sampling campaigns and analysis are carried out seasonally on water
column, sediments, soft and hard bottoms and wave-washed terraces. Key equipments such as the water
sampling system and the CTD, multi-parameter probe, have been acquired. The continuous use of these
equipments will start during the autumn campaign of 2011.
55
TASK 3
TASK 4
MARINE RESOURCES: MAMMALIAN AND FISHERY
COASTAL POLLUTION
Task Manager:
CNRS staff:
Gaby Khalaf
Antony Ouba
Elie Tarek
Stefano Cataudella
Giuseppe Lembo
Roberto Ugolini
This task includes a comprehensive survey on marine mammalian presence, aimed at their protection.
Moreover, a complete catch assessment of the Lebanese fishery will provide an exhaustive picture of the
sector. This will be the major tool for defining a protection and management plan taking into account both
ecological and socio-economical aspects. Technical support on aquaculture to concerned institutions will be
an added value for the implementation of the task.
Task Manager:
Milad Fakhri
CNRS staff:
Elie Najjar
Roula Mina
Mary Tilbian
Local consultant:
Carine Abi Ghanem (Heavy metal contamination)

Angelo Tursi
Nino Plastina
This project task foresees activities for the pollution level/chemical contamination evaluation of the Lebanese
coast, for bacteriological, organic (hydrocarbon) and metallic contaminants. The organic contaminants
analysis includes a comprehensive survey of carcinogenic and toxic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
which have been trapped in sediments. Moreover, the most toxic trace elements will be analyzed on different
levels providing a global vision on the inorganic contamination in the water column, in the sediments and
in the bioindicator biota.
Expected results: mammalian and fish resources scientific evaluation

Indicators: scientific campaigns for 2 years
Outputs: Mammalian/fishery protection and management plan
Activities implemented so far: Five mammalian observation campaigns, for two or three days each, have
been carried out so far. CNRS and MoA staff are been trained both by the CANA project and within the
activities carried out by the FAOs EastMed project. A road map followed by a comprehensive feasibility study
aimed at the development of aquaculture sector in Lebanon has been submitted to Lebanese Authorities.
56
Expected results: coastal pollution scientific evaluation

Indicators: periodic campaigns for 2 years
Outputs: Pollution evaluation and coastal protection plan
Activities implemented so far: 25 sampling points have been chosen for bacteriological study along the
Lebanese coast. For metallic contaminants, 16 sampling points have been selected according to their
significance or because of their proximity to potential sources of chemical contamination and for monitoring
the effect of the oil spill of 2006. Most of the equipments needed, both for water column and sediment
analysis have been purchased.
57
TASK 5
SCIENTIFIC DISSEMINATION OF THE RESULTS

Task Manager:
CNRS staff:
Project Management Unit

Rula Atweh
Stefano Lelli
Gianfranco Naborre
Ramzi Yammine
The purpose of this project task is to promote research, educate key-actors of marine related sectors and
to give sustainability to the project actions while correlating the project activities with the country social
economic context.
Expected results: Stakeholders mobilisation and scientific data dissemination
Indicators: seminars/consultations with stakeholders and civil society
Outputs: stakeholder analysis, seminars, consultations and dissemination of the project results to the civil
society
Activities implemented so far: The activities implemented may be essentially summarized as follows:
- Task managers participated to workshops presenting CANA project, its activities and results.
- Invitations to several Lebanese and foreign television corporations providing details on the scientific
missions of the CANA-CNRS vessel, along with presentation of the field work and results.
- Preparation of special events on board and visit of various delegations
- Several articles on the CANA project and its tasks have been published in different Lebanese newspapers
- Activities of environmental awareness with students
- Involvement of students and trainees of different Lebanese universities in activities and master theses
- Development of the Project Website
58
59

CANA - CNRS, A Scientific Vessel For Lebanon

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With the keen understanding that marine ecosystems possess vast

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, CNRS

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored

Establishing Monitoring and Sustainable

Establishing Monitoring and Sustainable

Herein lies the History of a Vessel, the Workings of a Project, and

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

In facing these challenges, through an interdisciplinary and

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

This boat represents a unique occasion to exchange, with other

This book represents a statement of their efforts and their passion. To

The Italian Ambassador to Lebanon,

The Mediterranean Sea makes no exceptions. Being a enclosed

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

BLUEBOXES AND TESTIMONIES

The National Council For Scientific Research (CNRS)

Inauguration Cerimony Of The CANA-CNRS Vessel & Project

National Centre For Geophysical Research

National Centre For Marine Sciences

Challenges And Perspectives

Testimony: Guido Benevento

A New Bathymetric Chart For Lebanon

Testimony: Alessandra Savini

Status Of The Marine Biodiversity In Lebanon:

Dolphins In Beirut Offshore

Joint Consultation Mission

Testimony: Angelo Tursi

Testimony: Roberto Ugolini

Testimony: Jacopo Monzini

CANA Goes Green

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

THE CNRS ALSO MANAGES AND CONDUCTS RESEARCH THROUGH ITS

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

waste dumping along the shoreline. Wastewaters from urban areas

The Lebanese coastal zone extends over approximately 150,000

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

Bacteriological water quality

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

In the wake of the devastating war and aggression of Israel in the

The Italian Government proposed a valuable donation in the

The vessel, in Ortona, underwent the first

Fishermen on Rosa Marina retrieving trawling nets in front of Apulia coats

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

The refurbishment of the vessel held in the shipyards

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

Flag changing ceremony onboard of CANA-CNRS vessel.

On April 3, 2009 and under the patronage of the Presidency of the

The CANA vessel is an important step

Official Inauguration of the CANA-CNRS vessel

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

Ce bateau scientifique, joliment baptis

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

CANA CNRS A Scientific Vessel for Lebanon

The CANA-CNRS Vessel, 27 meters length with a gross weight of 123

CANA-CNRS vessel description