Thailand Launches the Country’s First Endangered Shark Rewilding Initiative to Recover Leopard Sharks

The StAR Project Thailand (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery) was officially launched in Phuket Province, Thailand, through a multi-sector collaboration involving key Thai government agencies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations. The project’s partners include the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Aquaria Phuket, Maiton Resort, WildAid, and Ocean Blue Tree. The project aims to recover populations of the endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) that are critical for healthy marine ecosystems.

The Indo-Pacific leopard shark once thrived in Thai waters but has experienced a significant decline, as reported anecdotally by Thailand’s diving community over recent decades. Primary threats include bycatch in fisheries and degradation of coral reef habitats. The species is currently listed as Endangered on both the IUCN Red List and the Thailand Red Data, which assess the status of threatened species within the country. Thailand is an important habitat for leopard sharks, with two key areas — the Phi Phi islands and the Similan-Surin Archipelago — designated as Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) by the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group. 

What is the StAR Project?

The StAR Project was initiated by ReShark, an international coalition of over 100 conservation organizations, large public aquariums, government agencies, and more, with the goal of recovering threatened sharks and rays around the world by re-establishing healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining populations. The first initiative began in Raja Ampat, Indonesia in 2022, and the launch of the project’s second site in Thailand marks a significant milestone, with the country taking a major step forward by officially listing the leopard shark as a protected species.

“We are incredibly pleased with the commitment of the Thai government to leopard shark conservation, and the speed of implementation by the StAR Project Thailand partners. The level of collaboration among partners bodes well for the future success of this ground-breaking initiative,” said Dr. Mark Erdmann of the ReShark Council.

The StAR Project Thailand began last year with the continuation of “Spot the leopard shark – Thailand”, a citizen science project that invites the diving community to submit photos and videos of leopard shark sightings taken in Thai waters. The initiative was first launched in Thailand in 2013 at Koh Phi Phi Island, as a collaboration between Dr. Christine Dudgeon, University of Queensland, Australia, and Dr. Kongkiat Kitiwattanawong, Phuket Marine Biological Centre, DMCR. To date, the initiative has collected over 1,332 photos and identified 278 individual leopard sharks between 2004 – 2025, which has helped scientists better understand population trends and shark habitats. 

“As shark and ray populations continue to decline, recovery remains challenging due to their slow growth, late maturity, and low reproduction. Rewilding offers a vital lifeline and the boost needed for the population to recover — but we must face the alarming state of sharks and rays and take urgent action to reduce our direct and indirect impacts, from overfishing to habitat destruction,” said Metavee Chuangcharoendee, Project Manager of StAR Project Thailand, WildAid.

Nine Sharks Embark on a Rewilding Journey

As part of the rewilding steps, nine juvenile leopard sharks aged around one year and two months, bred by the aquarists team from Aquaria Phuket (a private aquarium located in Phuket Province) were recently transferred from the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), under the DMCR, to a newly constructed sea pen at Maiton Resort. The site will serve as a transitional habitat to help the juvenile sharks acclimate before their future release. 

“Leopard sharks play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and are a key attraction for scuba divers from around the world. The DMCR has been actively monitoring leopard shark populations and has successfully advocated for their designation as a protected species in Thailand. In collaboration with partner organizations, DMCR has made strong efforts to raise leopard shark hatchlings in captivity, training them to adapt and feed in sea pens designed to replicate natural conditions. This approach helps prepare the sharks for successful reintroduction into the wild. I am truly encouraged to see the strong collaboration between government agencies, conservation groups, and the private sector in working together to conserve, restore, and boost the population of leopard sharks—ensuring their survival in Thai waters for generations to come,” said Pinsak Suraswadi,  Director-General of the DMCR.

A Population Viability Analysis (PVA) is currently underway to assess the probability of species extinction in Thailand and to forecast future scenarios of population growth and decline. The results of the PVA will inform a comprehensive conservation approach for Thailand, including identifying release sites, the number of leopard sharks needed for reintroduction, and outlining post-release monitoring measures.

Extensive research has been conducted in preparation for the upcoming release, including genetic testing of the parent leopard sharks from Aquaria Phuket, to confirm that the juveniles belong to the same genetic strain of leopard sharks found in Thai waters.

Aquaria Phuket Leads Shark Breeding Success

Aquaria Phuket’s successful leopard shark breeding program is part of the Aquawalk Group’s broader conservation initiatives aimed at restoring threatened environmental ecosystems and contributing to critical research on marine sustainability. 

“Aquaria Phuket is proud to announce that we are the first facility in Thailand to successfully breed leopard sharks, an achievement that underscores our ability and commitment to providing an ideal environment for the animals under our care,” said Daryl Foong, Executive Director of Aquaria Phuket.”

By collaborating with universities, scientists, field experts, and government bodies, Aquaria Phuket aims to improve its ability to contribute to education, conservation, and sustainability.

Sea Pen Training at Maiton Resort

During the next few months, the sea pen at Maiton Resort, located on an island at approximately nine kilometers off the southeast coast from mainland Phuket province, will be home for the nine juvenile sharks as the shark aquarists take care of them while they acclimatize to the current, tide, and waves of the sea. This involves scattering and hiding food in the pen to simulate natural foraging behaviour, as well as letting them forage for other natural food items within the sea pen. 

“Maiton Resort is…truly delighted to support this project by serving as a temporary home for nine juvenile leopard sharks. This marks a significant step in restoring the balance of the marine ecosystem,” said Mr. Chalermpong Pathumchotisuwan, Chief Operating Officer, Honeymoon Private Island (Phuket) Co., Ltd. (Maiton Resort).

Long-term Government Commitments

Recently, WildAid and Ocean Blue Tree, as implementing partners of the StAR Project Thailand, held a workshop to build capacity in shark data collection techniques among three key government agencies: DMCR, DNP, and DoF. This initiative reflects a broader commitment among project partners to advance shark conservation efforts in Thailand beyond a vulnerable species focus, such as the leopard shark. Additionally, the DNP and DoF will support the project through the identification of potential future release sites and post-release monitoring efforts. 

“The Maya Shark Watch project, a collaboration between the DNP and researchers from Thai Sharks and Rays, has demonstrated that by supporting research and having effective area-based protection measures, shark populations can recover. The DNP is committed to working closely with all partners on this project, as I truly believe Thailand has the potential to be a leader in shark conservation,” Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director-General of the DNP. 

The DoF will also facilitate necessary rewilding protocols and shipment of leopard shark eggs from other local and international partners. 

“As the lead agency implementing the National Plan of Action for the Management and Conservation of Sharks – Thailand (NPOA-sharks), the Department of Fisheries is committed to supporting research and promoting knowledge sharing on shark breeding and reintroduction. We stand ready to support the continued development of this project, which plays a vital role in restoring a healthy and genetically diverse leopard shark population in Thai waters,” said Bancha Sukkaew, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries. 

In the upcoming months, the project will enter its second phase, which involves tagging the juvenile sharks before their first release. This will enable close monitoring of their movements, supported by ongoing collaboration to ensure robust post-release monitoring measures.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Metaveee Chuangcharoendee, Project Manager, StAR Project – Thailand, WildAid, Tel: +6681 8219612   | Email: metavee@wildaid.org 

Nuthatai Chotechuang, Thailand Program Director, WildAid, Tel: +6681 818 9251 | Email: nuthatai@wildaid.org