Monrovia, February 11, 2026 — A recent whale stranding at Sheri Beach, Congo Town Back Road, has raised urgent questions about marine safety, human responsibility, and coastal enforcement in Liberia. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) issued a strong public warning after videos circulated on social media showing the endangered whale being butchered for consumption.
A joint technical team dispatched by NaFAA—including officials from Marine Fisheries, Environment and Climate Change, and Communications—confirmed that the animal was a whale, a species fully protected under Liberian law and international agreements. Preliminary findings suggest the whale may have died after becoming entangled in abandoned fishing gear, or “ghost nets,” which continue to pose a deadly threat to whales, sea turtles, and commercial fish populations.
NaFAA emphasized the ecological role of whales in maintaining ocean health and biodiversity. Beyond environmental concerns, the Authority warned that consuming dead marine animals could be hazardous to human health, as carcasses may harbor bacteria, toxins, or disease. Citizens are strongly urged not to eat any marine animals found dead along the coast.
The incident exposes broader questions: How many ghost nets are polluting Liberia’s waters? Are existing laws sufficient to prevent illegal harvesting of protected species? And how can communities be better engaged in early reporting to safeguard both marine life and public health?
Coastal residents, fishers, and beachgoers are urged to report any stranded marine animals—alive or dead—to authorities promptly. NaFAA stresses that timely reporting is critical for rapid response, environmental protection, and enforcement of national and international conservation laws.
The Sheri Beach stranding underscores the urgent need for coordinated action against marine pollution and highlights ongoing risks to Liberia’s marine biodiversity.
