MONROVIA – A dolphin washed ashore in Monrovia on a Sunday. Residents first tried to push it back to sea. By the time the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority’s rescue team arrived, it had been killed and its meat shared. The episode exposes a gap between conservation rules and coastal realities. The Authority learned of the stranding through social media. Its call center, 6232, operates only on weekdays, from nine to five. This dolphin stranded on a weekend. The Authority’s answer is more training for community first responders. That helps only if residents come to value protected species more alive than dead. Awareness and rapid response must now reach the beaches themselves, as THE ANALYST reports.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has expressed regret over the death of a dolphin stranded at Miami Beach, Mamba Point, Monrovia, on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The marine mammal died before NaFAA’s technical rescue team arrived, following reports circulated on social media, the Authority stated in a press release dated October 26, 2026.
According to NaFAA Director General Hon. J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., the Authority promptly dispatched a rescue team after learning of the incident. However, upon arrival, the team discovered that community members had killed and distributed the dolphin’s meat.
While acknowledging the community’s initial efforts to return the distressed animal to the sea, Saygbe expressed disappointment over its eventual killing. He called for greater public awareness and responsible handling of stranded marine wildlife.
Protected species must not be harmed
NaFAA emphasized that dolphins, sea turtles and other protected marine species are vital to Liberia’s marine ecosystem and must not be harmed. Residents are urged, the Authority stated, to immediately report stranded or distressed marine animals to the relevant authorities and allow trained personnel to manage rescue operations.
To prevent similar incidents, NaFAA disclosed that it will intensify training for community-level first responders. The training, the Authority noted, will equip residents with the knowledge and skills to act swiftly and safely when marine animals become stranded while awaiting professional assistance.
Hotline for stranded marine animals
The Authority also encouraged the public to report stranded or distressed marine animals through its Call Center by dialing 6232, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. NaFAA called on coastal communities to work closely with the Authority to protect Liberia’s marine biodiversity and preserve its valuable marine resources for future generations.