NaFAA Warns Public Against Eating Deadly Pufferfish Found at Marshall Beach

Monrovia, Liberia: The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has issued an urgent warning to the public against eating or handling pufferfish discovered along Marshall Beach in Margibi County on Friday.

According to NaFAA, the fish, commonly known as pufferfish, blowfish, or balloonfish, contains a dangerous toxin called tetrodotoxin that can remain deadly even after cooking, smoking, or drying.

The authority warned that consuming the fish can cause numbness, vomiting, paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death. NaFAA also noted that there is currently no antidote for the toxin.

Citizens have been advised not to buy, sell, handle, or consume the fish. Fishermen who accidentally catch the species are being urged to return it immediately to the ocean, while coastal communities are encouraged to report sightings to fisheries authorities.

NaFAA further cautioned pet owners to keep animals away from dead or stranded pufferfish found on beaches because the fish remains toxic even after death.

The Government of Liberia says it remains committed to protecting public health and preventing the dangerous species from entering local markets and homes.