By APD writer Juicy Chan

BANGKOK, Oct. 30(APD) -- Blacktip reef sharks repeatedly seen swimming in southern Thailand's famous destination Maya Bay have boosted national park officials' hope to restore the damaged ecosystem, officials said on Monday.

National park officials on Sunday recorded a video clip of blacktip reef sharks near the shore at Maya Bay, which has been closed to visitors indefinitely.

This time there were more sharks spotted in the same area, showing that natural resources are plentiful and the environment is rejuvenating as new coral is planted on reefs in the tourist-damaged bay. said National Park Management Division director Kamon Nuanyai.

The bay, made famous by The Beach, a 2000 film starring Leonardo Dicapron, has been off-limits since June 1st as part of what was expected to be a four-month rejuvenation program aimed at reviving the area's decimated corals and installing additional boat jetties.

But the marine ecosystem requires more time to recover, according to officials, adding that the beach's physical structure have yet returned to its full condition.

Blacktip reef sharks were first seen near the area in middle October.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)