The ‘StAR Project Thailand’ (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery), unveiled in Phuket on Friday (May 16), is a major collaboration involving government agencies, the private sector, conservation groups and international partners. The project marks a milestone in Thailand’s marine conservation efforts and builds on earlier initiatives to protect this endangered species.
The StAR Project was initiated by ReShark, an international coalition of over 100 conservation organisations, 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.
Thai government agencies brought on board for the project off Phuket were the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), in partnership with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and Department of Fisheries (DoF), working together with Aquaria Phuket, Maiton Resort, WildAid, Ocean Blue Tree and Thai Sharks and Rays.
“Leopard sharks play a vital role in the health of coral reef ecosystems and are a favourite among scuba divers worldwide,” said DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi.”Through this project, Thailand is not only protecting a key marine species but also reinforcing our commitment to biodiversity and sustainable tourism.”
The project began with the transfer of nine juvenile leopard sharks ‒ around 14 months old and bred at Aquaria Phuket ‒ to a newly constructed sea pen at the Maiton Island Resort, on Koh Maithon, off Phuket’s southeast coast.
There, the sharks will gradually acclimate to their natural environment under close care before being released into the wild. The site simulates natural conditions and helps prepare the animals for life outside captivity.
The launch follows over a decade of groundwork laid by initiatives such as ‘Spot the Leopard Shark ‒ Thailand’, a citizen science project encouraging divers to submit photos and videos of leopard sharks. Since 2013, over 1,300 images have been collected, helping researchers identify 278 individual sharks and monitor population trends.
“The threats facing sharks and rays ‒ including overfishing and habitat loss ‒ demand urgent and innovative responses,” said Metavee Chuangcharoendee, Project Manager for StAR Project Thailand at WildAid. “Rewilding offers a real opportunity to reverse population declines.”
The Indo-Pacific leopard shark, once abundant in Thai waters, is now classified as ‘Endangered’ on both the IUCN Red List and Thailand’s Red Data list. Its recovery is crucial not only for ecological balance but also for the diving tourism industry, which benefits from the shark’s charismatic presence.
A comprehensive ‘Population Viability Analysis’ is underway to assess extinction risks and inform future conservation strategies. Genetic testing has confirmed that the juveniles bred at Aquaria Phuket match the genetic strain found in local waters, ensuring they are suitable for reintroduction.
Daryl Foong, Executive Director of Aquaria Phuket, hailed the breeding success as a national first. “This is a major breakthrough for marine conservation in Thailand. We’re proud to be playing a role in protecting these animals and supporting vital scientific research.”
As the sharks acclimate, caretakers at Maiton Resort will scatter food throughout the sea pen to encourage natural foraging behaviour. Each shark currently consumes around four to five kilogrammes of shellfish daily. Once released, they will be fitted with tracking devices to monitor their movements and survival rates.
“We’re honoured to be part of this historic project,” said Chalermpong Pathumchotisuwan, Chief Operating Officer of Maiton Resort. “Our island has long been committed to marine protection, and we see this as a meaningful step toward restoring Thailand’s underwater heritage.”
The project’s next phase will include tagging the sharks and identifying optimal release sites, with support from DNP and DoF. Both agencies are working closely with project partners to strengthen monitoring systems and explore opportunities for expanding the program to other parts of Thailand, including the Gulf of Thailand.
“Through this initiative, Thailand is setting a powerful example of how science, policy, and community collaboration can come together to protect marine life,” said Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director-General of the DNP.
Bancha Sukkaew, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, added: “As lead agency for Thailand’s National Plan of Action for Sharks, we’re committed to knowledge-sharing and supporting sustainable rewilding practices that restore healthy shark populations.”
The StAR Project Thailand, now more than 60% complete, is expected to be a model for future marine conservation efforts in the region, contributing to global goals for ocean sustainability and species recovery.