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451 Blacktip Reef Sharks Found in Maya Bay

451 Blacktip Reef Sharks Found in Maya Bay

Thairath•Politics•1h ago

Reader Briefing

A survey in Maya Bay recorded a record-high 451 blacktip reef sharks in November 2026, signaling a positive recovery of the marine ecosystem.

  • •A total of 451 blacktip reef sharks were found in Maya Bay, the highest number since the survey project began in 2023.
  • •The survey was conducted between November 3–9, 2026, by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Prince of Songkla University students.
  • •The increase is attributed to conservation measures, including area closures for ecosystem restoration and tourism reorganization.
  • •Water quality tests showed temperatures averaging 30.87 degrees Celsius and pH 8.62, which are suitable for marine life.

Overview

  • •The highest number of blacktip reef sharks, 451 individuals, was recorded on the morning of November 3, 2026.
  • •The survey took place at Maya Bay within Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi Province.
  • •The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation used drones, underwater video cameras (BRUVS), and water quality measurements to collect data.
  • •Suchart Chomklin stated the increase reflects the benefits of nature conservation measures and reorganized tourism which reduced disturbances to marine habitats.
  • •Researchers found sharks ranging from newborns under 1 meter to adults over 1 meter, indicating Maya Bay serves as both a habitat and a nursery.
  • •Lalida Periswiwattana requested cooperation from tourists to travel responsibly and avoid disturbing marine animals.
  • •The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to continue researching and monitoring the blacktip reef shark population.

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Key Quotes

Lalida Periswiwattana
"The government is committed to caring for natural resources and the environment to create a balance between conservation and tourism."
รัฐบาลมุ่งมั่นดูแลทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อมให้เกิดความสมดุลระหว่างการอนุรักษ์กับการท่องเที่ยว

Key Entities

Person

Lalida Periswiwattana(ลลิดา เพริศวิวัฒนา)
Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office.
Suchart Chomklin(สุชาติ ชมกลิ่น)ℹ️
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Organization

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม)ℹ️
The ministry overseeing the conservation of natural resources and environment.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation(กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช)ℹ️
The agency responsible for surveying shark populations and managing national parks.
Prince of Songkla University(มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์)ℹ️
The university whose cooperative education students assisted in the shark population data collection.
Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang)(ศูนย์ศึกษาและวิจัยอุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเลที่ 3 (ตรัง))
The center that collaborated in the survey of blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay.

Place

Maya Bay(อ่าวมาหยา)ℹ️
A location in Krabi Province identified as a habitat and nursery for blacktip reef sharks.
Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา–หมู่เกาะพีพี)ℹ️
The national park where Maya Bay is located.
Krabi Province(จังหวัดกระบี่)ℹ️
The province where Maya Bay and Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park are located.