Maya Bay Blacktip Reef Sharks Reach Record 451

Khaosod•Society•2h ago

Reader Briefing

A survey in Maya Bay found a record-breaking 451 blacktip reef sharks, signaling a recovery of the marine ecosystem.

•Minister Suchart Chomklin announced a record 451 blacktip reef sharks were found in Maya Bay in November 2026.
•The survey was conducted by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation between November 3–9, 2026.
•The findings reflect the success of area closures and tourism management in restoring natural resources.

•A total of 451 blacktip reef sharks were recorded in Maya Bay, the highest number since the survey project began in 2023.
•The field data collection took place between November 3–9, 2026, with the peak count of 451 sharks occurring on the morning of November 3, 2026.
•The Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang) used drones, underwater video cameras with bait (BRUVS), and water quality tests for the survey.
•Subadult to adult sharks longer than 1 meter were found grouped on the right side of the bay, while 3–5 neonate to juvenile sharks under 1 meter were found in shallow waters.
•Water quality tests showed an average temperature of 30.87 degrees Celsius, salinity of 31.16 ppt, and pH of 8.62, which are suitable for marine life.
•Minister Suchart Chomklin stated the increase in shark populations reflects the effectiveness of serious natural resource care, area closures, and tourism organization.
•The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to continue monitoring the blacktip reef shark population.

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Suchart Chomklin(สุชาติ ชมกลิ่น)ℹ️

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Yongyuth Nakviroj(ยงยุทธ นาควิโรจน์)

Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม)ℹ️

The ministry overseeing natural resource conservation and sustainable tourism.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation(กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช)ℹ️

The department responsible for managing national parks and conducting shark population surveys.

Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang)(ศูนย์ศึกษาและวิจัยอุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเลที่ 3 (ตรัง))

The center assigned to conduct field surveys and data collection of sharks.

Prince of Songkla University(มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์)ℹ️

The university whose Faculty of Natural Resources students participated in the field survey.

Maya Bay(อ่าวมาหยา)ℹ️

A location in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park used as a nursery and habitat for blacktip reef sharks.

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา–หมู่เกาะพีพี)ℹ️

The national park in Krabi Province where Maya Bay is located.

Krabi Province(จังหวัดกระบี่)ℹ️

The province where Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is situated.