Anantara Resorts Advance Responsible Tourism Strategy with Sea Turtle and Bamboo Shark Conservation Programmes in Phuket

(IN SHORT) Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort are reinforcing their marine conservation partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, supporting long-term efforts to protect sea turtles and bamboo sharks in southern Thailand. Through the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, established by Minor Hotels in 2002, more than 1,500 sea turtles have been released back into the ocean following protected hatchery care. Seasonal release events, often held during the Songkran festival, allow guests and local communities to participate in conservation activities. The resorts also back a bamboo shark nursery programme that raises juvenile sharks before releasing them into the Andaman Sea. These initiatives form part of Anantara’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes the Dollars for Deeds programme and certified operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting marine conservation awareness.

(PRESS RELEASE) PHUKET, Thailand, 2026-Feb-12 — /Travel PR News/ — Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort are continuing their long-standing collaboration with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre to support marine conservation initiatives in southern Thailand. The partnership forms part of Anantara’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism across the Kingdom.

For more than two decades, Anantara has supported sea turtle conservation in Phuket through the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, established in 2002 by Minor Hotels. The foundation was created to help address declining sea turtle populations in Thailand, and since its launch, more than 1,500 turtles have been successfully released back into the ocean.

During nesting season, sea turtle nests identified on exposed beaches are relocated, in accordance with Thai government policy, to protected hatchery facilities managed by marine specialists. Hatchlings are raised under controlled supervision until they reach sufficient strength to improve their survival prospects. Once ready, they are released along Phuket’s safeguarded coastline.

Sea turtle releases are typically scheduled when sea conditions are most favorable, most reliably during Thailand’s New Year festival, Songkran, held each April. The timing allows both guests and members of the local community to participate in activities that combine environmental purpose with cultural significance.

Expanding focus to bamboo shark conservation

In addition to turtle protection efforts, Anantara supports bamboo shark conservation programmes led by marine experts. Bamboo sharks, small reef-dwelling species essential to balanced marine ecosystems, face growing threats from habitat degradation, pollution and illegal harvesting.

The conservation initiative focuses on nurturing fertilised bamboo shark eggs and juvenile sharks within a protected nursery environment. Under the supervision of specialists at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, young sharks are carefully monitored during their most vulnerable developmental stages. After approximately eight months, once they have gained sufficient strength and resilience, they are released into the Andaman Sea.

Release events hosted on the beaches of Layan and Mai Khao provide guests and local residents with the opportunity to witness conservation efforts firsthand. These initiatives are designed not only to restore marine populations but also to raise awareness of biodiversity protection.

Sustainability integrated into resort operations

Marine conservation forms part of Anantara’s wider sustainability framework, which includes its Dollars for Deeds programme, enabling guests to contribute directly to environmental and community projects. Across resort operations, sustainability practices certified by Green Growth 2050 are implemented, including reductions in single-use plastics, protection of sensitive coastal areas and educational outreach initiatives targeting staff, community groups and local schools.

Through collaboration with scientific institutions, local communities and resort guests, Anantara Resorts in Phuket continue to support long-term protection of sea turtles, bamboo sharks and the broader marine ecosystem of the Andaman Sea.