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Record 451 Blacktip Reef Sharks Found in Maya Bay

Record 451 Blacktip Reef Sharks Found in Maya Bay

MGR Online•Politics•19m ago

Reader Briefing

A survey at Maya Bay in November 2026 recorded a historic high of 451 blacktip reef sharks.

  • •A record 451 blacktip reef sharks were found at Maya Bay during a November 2026 survey.
  • •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 in shark population is attributed to ecosystem restoration measures and tourism management.
  • •Water quality measurements showed temperature, salinity, and pH levels within standards suitable for marine life.

Overview

  • •A survey in November 2026 found 451 blacktip reef sharks at Maya Bay, the highest number since the project began in 2023.
  • •The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Prince of Songkla University students collected data from November 3–9, 2026.
  • •Researchers used three scientific methods: 15 drone surveys, 22 underwater video recordings (BRUVS), and 22 water quality tests.
  • •The peak number of 451 sharks was recorded on the morning of November 3, 2026, with an average of 328.83 sharks during early morning periods.
  • •The survey found both adult sharks over 1 meter long near beaches and cliffs, and 3–5 newborns or juveniles under 1 meter in shallow water.
  • •Suchart Chomklin indicated the population increase reflects the benefits of closing areas for restoration and organizing tourism to reduce disturbances.
  • •Lalida Phroeswiwattana stated the government prioritizes marine resource conservation alongside sustainable tourism.
  • •The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment instructed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to continue monitoring the population to inform management measures.

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Key Quotes

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

Key Entities

Person

Suchart Chomklin(สุชาติ ชมกลิ่น)ℹ️
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
Lalida Phroeswiwattana(ลลิดา เพริศวิวัฒนา)
Deputy Government Spokesperson.

Organization

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(กระทรวงทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อม)ℹ️
The ministry overseeing the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation(กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช)ℹ️
The agency that conducted the blacktip reef shark population survey.
Marine National Park Research and Study Center 3 (Trang)(ศูนย์ศึกษาและวิจัยอุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเลที่ 3 (ตรัง))
The specific center under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation that performed the survey.
Prince of Songkla University(มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์)ℹ️
The university whose cooperative education students participated in the data collection.

Place

Maya Bay(อ่าวมาหยา)ℹ️
The location in Hat Noparat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park where the sharks were surveyed.
Hat Noparat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park(อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา–หมู่เกาะพีพี)
The national park containing Maya Bay.
Krabi Province(จังหวัดกระบี่)ℹ️
The province where Maya Bay is located.