Over 158 blacktip reef sharks observed at Maya Bay in May
In a significant breakthrough for marine conservation, a research team from the Marine National Park Research Centre Region 3 (Trang) made an extraordinary discovery during the Shark Watch Project. On July 3, 2025, an unprecedented 158 blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) were observed in Maya Bay, Krabi, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single-day survey at the location [3][4][5].
This remarkable finding is a positive indicator that the coral reefs and marine life in Maya Bay are rebounding. The bay, which gained fame and notoriety as the locale for the hit movie The Beach 25 years ago, has been closed for extensive restoration from 2018 to 2022. The record shark count underscores the effectiveness of these conservation efforts [2].
Seasonal closures, including the upcoming two-month closure starting August 1, 2025, are designed to allow coral reefs to regenerate, reduce erosion, and enable marine life, including blacktip reef sharks, to thrive again. Conservation measures such as visitor caps (around 4,000 per day), banning swimming, and restricting access to sensitive areas have also contributed to the improvement of reef health and marine biodiversity [2].
The thriving blacktip reef shark population enhances Maya Bay’s reputation as one of the best snorkelling spots in Phi Phi, attracting ecotourism focused on marine wildlife observation. The presence of healthy shark populations symbolises the success of sustainable tourism policies, encouraging responsible wildlife viewing rather than exploitative practices [1][2].
Seasonal closures and education campaigns aim to increase awareness among tourists about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, which could enhance long-term ecotourism viability by preserving the natural appeal of Maya Bay [1][2]. The data collected during the Shark Watch Project will also aid in sustainable ecotourism planning for Maya Bay.
The sighting of 158 blacktip reef sharks is an encouraging sign for Maya Bay, which has become a model for successful marine conservation after years of ecological restoration efforts. Blacktip reef sharks, as apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance [6]. Another photo of the research team collecting data at Maya Bay was also taken by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation [7].
The findings from the sighting will support future conservation planning in Maya Bay. On July 3, 2025, the researchers spotted all 158 blacktip reef sharks simultaneously using aerial drones and BRUV (baited remote underwater video) units [8]. Maya Bay continues to recover after years of environmental restoration, and this record observation serves as a testament to the success of ongoing conservation efforts [9]. A photo of the shark sighting was also taken by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation [10].
- As the marine life in Maya Bay continues to thrive, the record-breaking count of blacktip reef sharks suggests that environmental-science initiatives, such as those focused on space-and-astronomy, could potentially be extended to other areas of health-and-wellness, including human fitness-and-exercise, to promote holistic well-being.
- With the success of Maya Bay's conservation efforts becoming a beacon for marine conservation, organizations focusing on health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise may draw inspiration from this model, applying insights from environmental-science and space-and-astronomy to devise campaigns that stress the importance of preserving our planet for future generations, fostering a healthier environment for all life forms.
