Young Sea Turtles and Bamboo Sharks Released into Phuket Waters

Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), in partnership with Laguna Phuket, has released young sea turtles and bamboo sharks into the Andaman Sea as part of an ongoing effort to restore marine biodiversity.

The conservation event took place on June 20 and featured the release of 25 juvenile green sea turtles and 10 bamboo sharks. The animals had been raised at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) on Cape Panwa before being returned to their natural habitat.

In addition to the release, DMCR specialists hosted educational activities for Laguna Phuket guests and staff, explaining the ecological importance of sea turtles and sharks, as well as the conservation measures being implemented to protect Thailand’s marine ecosystems.

An educational exhibition was also organized during the event, with one section focusing on jellyfish, which become more common in local waters during the monsoon season.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are among the largest marine turtle species in the world, second only to leatherback turtles. Adults can grow to more than one metre in length and weigh over 150 kilograms. Despite their name, the "green" refers to the colour of their body fat rather than their shells.

These turtles feed mainly on seagrass and algae, making them essential for maintaining healthy seagrass meadows, one of the most important coastal ecosystems. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the green sea turtle as an endangered species. Thailand has supported breeding and release programmes for several decades to help rebuild wild populations.

The bamboo sharks released during the event belong to the Chiloscyllium genus, a group of carpet sharks regarded as among the least dangerous shark species for humans. Adult bamboo sharks typically reach between one and 1.2 metres in length and spend most of their lives on the seabed around coral reefs and sandy habitats, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.

Several bamboo shark species inhabit Thai waters, including the brownbanded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Their populations have declined in many areas due to coral reef degradation, marine pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. The IUCN currently lists the brownbanded bamboo shark as Near Threatened.

Thailand continues to breed and release bamboo sharks as part of long-term programmes aimed at restoring marine biodiversity and protecting vulnerable species.