Samer had been hunting lionfish for over seven years, diving down to 50 meters deep around the coast of Byblos. His mission was to protect the local marine environment, as these invasive alien species were causing a catastrophic impact on the ecosystem. Samer's average catch was 15kg, which he sold to local restaurants, fisheries, and customers. Despite the presence of lionfish in Lebanese waters for over a decade, many citizens remained unaware of their presence and impact.
Samer's efforts to raise awareness about the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean led him to co-found Guardians of the Blue, an NGO that shares information and facts about the species through social media and its website. He also teaches lionfish hunting courses to willing scuba divers, hoping to make it a sustainable, affordable, and healthy alternative to traditional overfished and unsustainable fish options.
As the price of lionfish is often lower than traditional commercial species, it is becoming increasingly common in fisheries and on the menu of local restaurants. Samer's hope is that through these efforts, lionfish can be the key to promoting more sustainable fishing practices and fish consumption in Lebanon.