A Bold Step for Marine Conservation
The Indo-Pacific leopard shark
Thailand has launched a groundbreaking effort to restore the dwindling population of Indo-Pacific leopard sharks through a rewilding project based in the pristine waters of Phuket. This innovative initiative, known as the Thailand Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery (StAR) project, was officially introduced by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in partnership with international conservation groups WildAid and Ocean Blue Tree.
Once common across Thailand’s coastal reefs, the leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) has seen sharp population declines due to overfishing, habitat loss, and slow reproductive rates. The StAR project aims to reverse that trend by combining scientific research, captive breeding, and careful reintroduction into the wild.
From Aquarium to Ocean
The project’s first major milestone came with the relocation of nine young leopard shark pups to a sea cage at Koh Mai Ton. These juveniles, raised under expert care at Aquaria Phuket and the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, are now undergoing tracking and acclimatization before their full release into the ocean.
The pups, each measuring between 80 and 110 centimeters, are equipped with monitoring devices to ensure their survival and collect data on their adaptation. The information will help marine scientists better understand shark behavior in their natural habitat and adjust future release strategies accordingly.
Protecting a Species in Peril
Methinee Jungcharoendee, project manager at WildAid, emphasized the urgency of the mission. Leopard sharks mature slowly and have low reproduction rates, making population recovery especially challenging. Rewilding, she noted, is one of the few viable methods to safeguard the species' long-term survival.
This is not Thailand's first encounter with the StAR initiative. The project was first tested in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands in 2022 and has since shown promising results. With its official launch in Thailand, it now holds the potential to reshape regional marine conservation strategies.
A Call to the Diving Community
Divers and snorkelers exploring Thai waters are being invited to join the cause. By capturing images and video footage of leopard sharks in the wild, they can help researchers monitor the population, understand movement patterns, and identify new habitats.
This citizen science approach not only strengthens conservation data but also raises public awareness of Thailand’s rich but fragile marine ecosystems.
A Future Anchored in Science and Sustainability
Beyond reintroducing individual sharks, the StAR project feeds into a broader conservation vision. Through population viability analysis, scientists are assessing extinction risks and mapping out sustainable plans to rebuild the species in Thai waters. It’s a long-term effort, but one that could secure a future for one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic marine creatures.
Tourism and Conservation Can Coexist
As Thailand continues to welcome global visitors to its tropical shores, initiatives like this underscore the importance of balancing tourism with environmental stewardship. By protecting its marine biodiversity, Thailand ensures that future generations can continue to experience the magic beneath its waves.
Tourism Information
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) – www.dmcr.go.th
WildAid – www.wildaid.org
Ocean Blue Tree – https://oceanbluetree.com/
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