PHOTO: Photo Caption: Partial view of the dead whale been cut into pieces
Monrovia, Liberia — The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has concluded an investigation into the recent stranding of a whale at Sheri Beach, off Congo Town Back Road, and is strongly warning the public against the consumption of marine carcasses.
The investigation was initiated following the circulation of a video on social media showing a marine species being butchered for consumption. Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NaFAA immediately dispatched a joint team from the Department of Marine Fisheries, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, and the Department of Communications and Media Services to the site to assess the situation.
Findings from the investigation confirmed that the stranded marine species was a whale, a protected and endangered species under Liberia’s fisheries laws and international conservation conventions. Evidence gathered at the scene suggests that the whale may have died as a result of entanglement in abandoned or discarded fishing nets, commonly referred to as “ghost nets.”
NaFAA emphasizes that whales play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient recycling, support marine food chains, and enhance fish productivity. The protection of whales is therefore essential to biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries development, and the long-term health of Liberia’s marine environment.
The Authority strongly cautions the public against consuming marine species found dead along the coastline. Marine carcasses may harbor harmful bacteria, toxins, or diseases that pose serious risks to human health. Furthermore, the killing or consumption of protected marine species is illegal and constitutes a violation of national laws and Liberia’s international environmental commitments.
NaFAA also highlights the growing threat posed by abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing nets. These ghost nets continue to trap and kill marine life indiscriminately, including whales, sea turtles, and commercially important fish species, long after they are lost at sea.
NaFAA calls on all coastal residents, beach caretakers, fishers, and the general public to immediately report any sighting of marine species washed ashore—whether alive or dead—to the relevant authorities. Prompt reporting ensures timely response, safeguards public health, and strengthens marine conservation efforts across the country,, said the NaFAA press release sined by Lewis E. B. Konoe Department of Communications and Media Services.