Ziad had an accident on Friday while recreationally scuba diving at a site he particularly loved, the Giannutri island in Tuscany 

Ziad had been collaborating with the GFCM and the GFCM Secretariat for a number of years before joining the team in 2022 as Fishery and Environment Specialist. He was highly valued by his colleagues, managers and the scientific community for his knowledge, skills and thoroughness in researching topics. He had a talent for proposing  innovative solutions to emerging issues, such as the elimination of marine litter and the protection of vulnerable species. His tact and ability to make an impact on any audience made him a respected professional, and his reliability and commitment made him a trusted peer.  

Ziad’s dedication to the ocean, and the Mediterranean in particular, was uncompromising. In his previous experiences at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as a founding member of the Purple Reef Organization –dedicated to the protection and conservation of Lebanon’s coastline and reef – and as a diver, he understood the importance of protecting fishers and oceans and worked tirelessly both in his professional and private life to make a difference.   

Ziad was cherished across the Mediterranean and beyond for his vibrant personality and the good he did around him.  

His loss is deeply felt, and we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.