Stunning Photos Show Sharks Have Returned to Maya Bay 6 Months Into Its Rehabilitation

Earlier in June 2018, the Thai government announced that it would be closing off famous tourist beach destination, Maya Bay, in an effort to rehabilitate its deteriorating marine life due to the sheer amount of tourists visiting the area.

Then, later on in October, it was confirmed that this famous beach will be closed indefinitely to give more time for the newly-planted coral to fully grow and for the ecosystem to recover.

Now, about six months since its closure, Channel NewsAsia has revealed stunning images of what Maya Bay looks like, and the results are absolutely breathtaking.

I had an opportunity to visit the world-famous Maya Bay on Phi Phi Islands in Thailand last week after it was closed to tourists in June for rehabilitation. And what I saw was absolutely stunning pic.twitter.com/lWyz99sQkn

— Pichayada P. (@PichayadaCNA) December 9, 2018

According to the report, now that no tourists and boats are allowed in the area, about 90 blacktip reef sharks can be seen swimming close to the shore. Marine conservationists believe these sharks have come to Maya Bay to give birth to their young, as they often do so in sheltered bays. A marine scientist involved in Maya Bay’s rehabilitation, Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, was quoted as saying.

“The message is clear – they’re here because Maya Bay is fertile again. It’s still unclear whether their presence will be permanent or seasonal. The small ones may leave the bay eventually but the big ones may stay on.”

“This kind of area is very hard to find. It’s a crucial opportunity for the global shark research circle.”

According to Khaosod English, when fully mature, blacktip reef sharks can grow up to about two metres long. These sharks, classified as a near threatened species, are not dangerous to humans and are often found in shallow water near coral reefs.

Now, Maya Bay could possibly have the highest shark population density in the Thai sea.

As for when the bay reopens for tourists, Thai authorities will be taking extra steps to ensure that the area’s ecosystem is still protected.

Tourist boats have been permanently banned from entering the bay, so visitors will have to access Maya Bay from Loh Samah Bay. A new pier will be built at Loh Samah Bay to accommodate tourist boats, making it a pick-up and drop-off point.

Tourists will have to walk through a passage prepared by the Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in order to get to the area.

When Maya Bay reopens, tourists will have to access it from Loh Samah Bay (located right behind it) and walk through a passage prepared by the National ParK Department. A new pier will be built here to accommodate tourist boats, which can only drop off and pick up visitors pic.twitter.com/Xu4KdvP1pG

— Pichayada P. (@PichayadaCNA) December 9, 2018

While it is still uncertain when Maya Bay will reopen for tourist, rest assured that this ecological gem will be preserved well!

 

Also read: It’s Official: Thailand’s Famous Maya Bay Will Remain Closed to Tourists Indefinitely