Sharklab ADRIA
For almost 15 years, Sharklab ADRIA has been conducting cutting-edge research on elasmobranchs. Studies range from population ecology, to disease development and neuropathology
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
Multidisciplinary cutting-edge research is the core of our activities and we are focused on ecology, pathology and toxicology of elasmobranchs.
Diseases
Understanding the effects of pollution on disease development through histopathology, radiology and tomography
Initiated: 2017
Total Projects: 19
Embryology
Researching the prenatal development, the roles of mother in viviparous species, and associated pathology
Initiated: 2019
Total Projects: 11
Micro- and nanoplastics
Qualitative and quantitative composition of microplastics in different organ systems (FT-IR, RAMAN)
Initiated: 2016
Total Projects: 4
Immunological response
The application of biomarkers sensitive to environmental pressures such as hepatic melanomacrophages
Initiated: 2019
Total Projects: 4
Neurological disorders
Meningitis, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis and their connection to behavior
Initiated: 2020
Total Projects: 2
Field Expeditions
Our work implies extensive field surveys across the Mediterranean, primarily Adriatic Sea. Extensive fishery surveys include complete monitoring of commercial trawlers and longlines, as well as getting onboard these vessels. Furthermore, we are conducting series of underwater explorations including technical diving and ROV habitat monitoring.
Working with Sharks
Imagine late December night, you are all alone at 30 m deep. It is so dark that you don’t see the tip of your hand, and so cold that you feel tingling on your face… yet, you are patient and waiting for SHARK! In close interactions we have worked with over 30 elasmobranchs species both in the captivity and wildest places. Spending time with these amazing animals empower us to understand them far better.
New call for 2023
Internships &
Master's
We are looking for highly motivated and hard-working people with a desire to work and gain significant experience with marine fauna, especially sharks.
Furthermore, we are looking for master’s students to develop their thesis through our scientific research.
Save the date!
Acoustic Telemetry
Workshop
Join Dr. Andre Steckenreuter of Innovasea for a comprehensive workshop to learn more about how acoustic telemetry products and systems can help you understand the behaviour and migration of animals in any aquatic environment.
RSVP to: andre.steckenreuter@innovasea.com agajic@sharklab-adria.org
15-16 March 2023 in Vlorë, Albania
In the Media
Our results and activities attracted media attention around the planet, while our scientists were featured in more than 250 appearances.
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
Plastic Sharks
In the era of plastics, our seas are facing extensive pollution, learn how sharks are being affected
Andrej A. Gajić
EC Discovery Channel
Shark Tales
The effects of pollution and habitat loss on elasmobranch health and disease development
Andrej A. Gajić
National Geographic
Prenatal diseases
Learn more about diseases and other threats sharks are facing even before they are born
Andrej A. Gajić
Ministry of Education and Science
Sharks in Albanian seas
Learn more about diversity, key habitats, threats and conservation of elasmobranchs in Albanian seas
Andrej A. Gajić
Rufford Foundation
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
Since 2017, we had 20 projects across the Adriatic-Ionian region
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 mountains of a war-torn country, far from the sea, Andrej founded Sharklab while still in the high school in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, back in the summer of 2007.
- Take a look at out interactive timeline
Today, we focus on the developing countries within the northern Mediterranean Sea, but have worked in more than 75 countries worldwide. Our team published more than 100 papers and three books.
Work with us
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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Designed and developed: A. Gajić