The findings underscore the ecological importance of the iconic Andaman Sea location, reports the Bangkok Post.
The DNP’s Marine National Park Education and Research Centre 3 (Trang) conducted a population and behaviour survey of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) under the Shark Watch Project from Jan 31 to Feb 6 at Maya Bay, inside Krabi’s Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
Officials spotted as many as 118 sharks at one time, confirming the bay’s role as a key breeding habitat.
Using drones across 17 survey flights, researchers found that shark activity peaked in the morning, when an average of 69 sharks were observed. Evening sightings averaged about 53 individuals, while midday counts dropped to roughly 46, the department said.
The largest single aggregation of 118 sharks was documented on the morning of Feb 1, when adult sharks were clearly seen grouping in shallow coastal waters to hunt for food.
Additional data from baited remote underwater video (Bruv) cameras showed that most sharks attracted to the bait were juveniles measuring under 1m, while larger adults typically patrolled nearby waters.
Officials also found several newborn sharks, pale in colour and only about 30cm long, swimming in shallow shoreline zones, which is strong evidence that the bay functions as a nursery area for the species in the Andaman Sea.
Water quality testing indicated favourable living conditions, with an average temperature of 28.4C, salinity near 39.9ppt, dissolved oxygen around 5.96mg/l and a pH of 8.08.
As apex predators, blacktip reef sharks play a crucial role in maintaining an ecological balance, and their healthy population signals a thriving marine ecosystem in Maya Bay.