Welcome to the

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)

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:

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.

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

View Recommendations

ABOUT US

ACTIVITIES

GET INVOLVED

SUBSCRIBE

Sharklab ADRIA 2007 – 2023 © All Rights Reserved

Designed and developed: A. Gajić