Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has launched the "StAR Thailand" project to conserve and restore the endangered leopard shark population.
Nine captive-bred juvenile leopard sharks were moved from Phuket Aquarium to a sea pen off Maiton Island. They will acclimatize before being released into the wild.
The project is a collaboration between the DMCR, Department of National Parks, Phuket Aquarium, and other organizations. It is supported by ReShark, a global network focused on restoring endangered sharks and rays.
The leopard sharks were bred by marine biology experts at the Phuket Marine Biological Center. Tracking devices will be attached before release to monitor survival rates.
Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi emphasized the crucial role leopard sharks play in maintaining coral reef ecosystems. Methavee Chuengcharoendee of WildAid highlighted the challenges of restoring shark populations.
The StAR Thailand project builds on the "Spot the Leopard Shark - Thailand" initiative. Divers submit photos of leopard shark sightings to help collect data.