The villages of Haqel and Hjoula, located in the hinterland of Jbeil, preserve quarries of old fish fossils dating back to 200-100 million years (Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods). These fossils were formed after fish had died and immediately covered with layers of sediments, thus facilitating their preservation. Later on, the seabed rose to form the mountains. These quarries count more than 400 species of fish and 50 species of crustaceans. Some crustaceans still exist, such as prawns, while others have completely disappeared.
