Record 451 Blacktip Reef Sharks Spotted at Ao Ma Ha
Marine researchers recorded a record 451 blacktip reef sharks at Ao Ma Ha in Krabi during a week-long November survey, the highest count since monitoring began in 2023. The sharks, including many adults over one meter and several juveniles, were most abundant in early mornings, and water quality was confirmed suitable for marine life.
A survey at Ao Ma Ha in Krabi recorded 451 blacktip reef sharks, the highest number since monitoring began in 2023, while water quality remained suitable for marine life. On November 12, 2026, the head of the Marine National Park Research Center 3 (Trang) assigned staff and internship students from Thaksin University's Faculty of Natural Resources to survey blacktip reef sharks at Ao Ma Ha, Krabi province, for seven days in November. They used drones for 15 survey flights, underwater cameras for 22 recording sessions, and measured water quality 22 times. Results showed early morning had the highest shark presence, averaging 329 individuals, followed by midday with 277. The maximum count of 451 occurred on the morning of November 3, setting a new record since surveys began in 2023. The survey also found many large sharks over one meter long gathering on the right side of the bay, particularly near the beach and under the cliff face, as well as around coral reefs. Meanwhile, 3-5 juvenile sharks were found on the left beach, indicating Ao Ma Ha serves as habitat for multiple life stages. Water quality measurements showed an average temperature of 30.87 degrees Celsius, with salinity and pH levels suitable for marine life survival.
