Sharklab ADRIA
For nearly 15 years, Sharklab ADRIA has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research on elasmobranchs, exploring population ecology, disease development, and fisheries.
Featured video: Prevention, detection and treatment of shark diseases (Istanbul, 2015)
- Research
Pathology
The effects of pollution on disease development
Microplastics
Microplastics contaminations in digestive, reproductive and circulatory systems of free-ranged sharks, skates and rays
Neurology
Chaperoning neurological disorders in sharks
Immunology
Application of hepatic melanomacrophages to understand response to environmental pressures
Field expeditions
We are studying elasmobranchs in the continental shelves and upper sloped of the Adriatic and Ionian seas through:
- Technical deep diving
- Snorkeling suverys
- ROV monitoring
- Habitat 3D mapping
View our equipment
Diving with sharks
Fishery surveys
We are working closely with both commercial and small-scale fisherman.
Enhancing the post-release survival rates in by-catch.
Current research
LABORATORY STUDIES
FIELD EXPEDITIONS
- Publications
Publications
Through the past 10 years, our researchers has published and mentored:
- 3 Books and monographs
- 37 Journal articles
- 33 Conference proceedings
- 5 Master's thesis
- 11 Bachelor's degrees
You can download most of our publications for free
New Book!
Shark, skates and rays of the eastern Adriatic Sea
Written by: Andrej A. Gajić
Comprehensive review of 60 species, 370 pages, supported by ministries of three countries!
Based on the 10 years of research funded by:
– Rufford Foundation (4)
– National Geographic (2)
– Discovery Channel (1)
– Foundation Ensemble (1)
– PADI Foundation (1)
– IDEA WILD (1)
– S.E.E. Foundation (1)Officially supported by:
– Bosnia and Herzegovina: Federal Ministry of education and science
– Croatia: Ministry of energy and environment
– Slovenia: Ministry of education, science and sportRecent papers
Original paper
New hope for the critically endangered angel shark (Squatina squatina) in the Adriatic Sea
Short communication
Contemporary records of the rare and critically endangered angular rough shark (Oxynotus centrina) from the eastern Adriatic Sea
View other papers
- Projects
The effects of pollution and habitat loss on elasmobrachs disease development
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of microplastics in digestive and reproductive system
Rescue, rehabilitation, tagging and re-introduction of sharks, skates and rays
Éviter l’extinction des anges de mer en Adriatique (avoiding extinction in the Adriatic Sea)
Since 2017, we had 20 projects across the Adriatic-Ionian region
Our projects are funded and supported by more than 50 partners
Current projects
We have 7 active cutting-edge research projects in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. Track our progress in news section.
Projects by category
- Pathology & Toxicology (5)
- Ecology & Conservation (12)
- Tertiary education (3)
- Policy making & Advocacy (2)
- Media
Media
Our work is highly recognized across the globe, with more than 250 media appearances.
Besides, we partner with the worlds leading media to educate wider public and raise awareness on conservation, sustainable development and key environmental issues.
View all media features
National Geographic
We had dozens of engagements for NatGeo and NatGeo WILD
Make sure not to miss live show at from our labs during the the Sharkfest 2018 – watch it now!
National Geographic Explorer Magazine featured download:
National Geographic US
National Geographic China
NatGeo: meet Andrej Gajić
Through Explorers Classroom we have lectured over 15.000 students from 75 countries.
Featured appearance
Some of the most important features are given below:
Sharklab ADRIA partner with Explorer Club and Discovery Channel on “Plastic Sharks” expedition.
Through the past few years we had numerous appearances on the CNN and their affiliates across Balkans.
Our recent TED talk included How pollution affects the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures
Sharklab ADRIA was featured among top enviornmental organization by Global 3000 at German television Deutsche Welle
Our CEO Andrej Gajić was selected among the “3o under 3o” program. Take look at the video featuring his work and career.
We bring new knowledge
Scientific Research
At the heart of our activities lies multidisciplinary cutting-edge research, where we delve into the ecology, pathology, and toxicology of elasmobranchs
Exploring the rarest
Diving deep into the mysteries of the abyss, uncovering the secrets of elusive and endangered deep-sea sharks, skates and rays in the Adriatic Sea
Giants of the depths
Capturing awe-inspiring footage of the majestic and rarely seen sixgill sharks, the giants of the deep ocean for Discovery Channel
Pollution and diseases
Unraveling the mysteries of diseases in sharks: shedding light on crucial research findings to safeguard the health of these creatures
From rarity to reality
Revealing groundbreaking data on the elusive and enigmatic deep-sea sharks from the slopes of the Adriatic-Ionian region’s depth
Internship 2023
Reflecting on an successful spring internship, where valuable skills were gained, connections made, and memorable experiences cherished
Field Expeditions
Our work entails extensive field surveys in the Mediterranean, primarily the Adriatic Sea. This includes comprehensive fishery surveys, monitoring commercial trawlers and longlines, and actively participating on board these vessels. Moreover, we conduct a series of underwater explorations, utilizing technical diving and ROV habitat monitoring.
Diving with Sharks
Imagine a late December night, alone at 30 meters deep. Darkness engulfs you, and the cold sends tingles across your face. Yet, patiently, you await the presence of a shark! Through close interactions, we have worked with over 30 elasmobranch species. Spending time with these incredible animals empowers us to gain a profound understanding of them.
New call for 2023/2024
Internships &
Master's
We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a passion for working with marine fauna, particularly sharks, to gain invaluable experience.
Additionally, we welcome master’s students to develop their theses through our scientific research.
Revive & Release
Enhancing
survival rates
Improving post-release survival rates in sharks involves using non-barbed circle hooks, proper handling techniques, and implementing stricter fishing regulations to reduce stress and injury during catch-and-release practices.
In the Media
Our groundbreaking results and impactful activities have garnered global media attention, with our scientists being featured in over 300 appearances across the planet.
Watch some of them below:
- National Geographic Spot
- NatGeo WILD Sharkfest
- CNN affiliates apparencies
- Deutsche Welle Global 3000
- TED Talk: Masarikova
New Knowledge & Effective Solutions
Featured Projects
What lurks in the depths?
Discovering and protecting the most bizarre, the most unknown and the most interesting deep-sea species
Andrej A. Gajić
TEC Discovery Channel
New hope for Angel sharks
Discovering and protection the most endangered sharks in the world and giving them a secong chance
Andrej A. Gajić
Foundation Ensemble
Sharks in Albania
Rescue, rehabilitation, tagging (acoustic telemetry) and re-introduction in southern Adriatic Sea of Albania
Andrej A. Gajić
Rufford Foundation
Plastic Sharks
In the era of plastics, our seas are facing extensive pollution, learn how sharks are being affected
Andrej A. Gajić
TEC Discovery Channel
Shark Tales
The effects of pollution and habitat loss on elasmobranch health and disease development
Andrej A. Gajić
National Geographic
In the Adriatic-Ionian region, we have completed 20 projects since 2017.
View all projects
Biodiversity and habitats, Fishery monitoring, Plastics, Disease development, Conservation, and more…
OUR ACTIVITIES AND STUDIED ARE FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY OUR AWESOME
PARTNERS
view all partners
Our Story
Despite growing up in the war-torn mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, far from the sea, Andrej founded Sharklab while in high school during the summer of 2007.
- Take a look at out interactive timeline
Today, our focus lies on developing countries in the northern Mediterranean Sea, yet we have worked in over 75 countries worldwide. Our team’s accomplishments include publishing over 100 papers and authoring three books.
Work with us
Our Team
Lear more about the people who make it happen
Honors & Awards
Our work is recognized on the international level
- 2021: Special Governmental Recognition of Excellence
- 2020: National Geographic Leadership Award
- 2019: Man of the Year title awarded to our founder
- Person of the Year nominations (2014, 2020)
View Recommendations
- agajic@sharklab-adria.org
- 00387 (0)61 078 104 (BA)
- 00355 (0)69 533 6652 (AL)
- Vlorë (Albania), Il-Hamrun (Malta), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
ABOUT US
- A Brief History
- Meet the Team
- Mission and Vision
- How we are funded
- Our Partners
ACTIVITIES
- News Digest
- Research
- Conservation
- Projects
- Publications
GET INVOLVED
- Work with us
- Student internship
- M.Sc./Ph.D. thesis
- Adopt a shark
- Make a donation
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Sharklab ADRIA 2007 – 2023 © All Rights Reserved
Designed and developed: A. Gajić