"Blacktip reef shark" 451 individuals swimming and displaying in the middle of Maya Bay, the highest number recorded since the survey project started in 2023.
On 12 November 2026, the Facebook page Marine National Park Study and Research Center Region 3 (Trang) published data and images from a population survey of blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, conducted on 3 November 2026. They recorded a school of 451 blacktip reef sharks, the highest number since the project began in 2023, reflecting Maya Bay's role as a natural habitat and nursery for sharks.
Mr. Kitipong Songnui, head of the Marine National Park Study and Research Center Region 3 (Trang), revealed that the survey was conducted over seven days in collaboration with natural resources students from Prince of Songkla University. They used various scientific technologies, including 15 aerial drone surveys, 22 underwater video cameras with bait (BRUVS), and 22 water quality measurements.
The survey found as many as 451 sharks, mostly juveniles to fully grown adults over one meter in length. Additionally, about 3 to 5 newborn to young sharks were also observed.
Researchers noted that the large school size might be linked to reproductive behavior, which requires further study. Water quality tests showed an average temperature of 30.87 degrees Celsius, salinity of 31.16 ppt, and pH of 8.62. The survey results will support national park management planning to preserve biodiversity and balance conservation with sustainable tourism.