Maya bay: 158 blacktip reef sharks were found swimming in Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, indicating a positive sign for the marine ecosystem.

According to Thai News Agency, a team of researchers from the Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3, Trang Province, discovered a school of 158 blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Ao Nang Subdistrict, Mueang Krabi District, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province. This survey was conducted between 2-8 July 2025 under the ‘Shark Watch Project’, a project aimed at surveying the number and natural behavior of blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay.

The research team employed two cutting-edge technologies: aerial photography using a drone to count the sharks and underwater cameras (BRUVs) to observe shark behavior. The culmination of the survey occurred on the morning of July 3, 2025, when the team found a school of 158 blacktip reef sharks at once, marking a record number in the survey.

The discovery of this large number of blacktip reef sharks signifies a positive sign for the health of the marine ecosystem, indicating that Maya Bay remains a suitable habitat for this marine animal. Blacktip reef sharks play a crucial role in the marine food chain, helping to maintain the balance of the underwater ecosystem in a healthy condition.

The research team stated that the collected data will be further analyzed in depth to understand the behavior and lifestyle of blacktip reef sharks in this area. The results of this research will provide an important database for conservation planning and sustainable management of national park areas, as well as valuable information for promoting ecotourism in the future.