About Me
Greetings, curious minds!
Driven by childhood dreams of working with sharks, my journey overcame the challenges of wartime, living far from the coast, and over 20 relocations. Today, I am an internationally awarded scientist, senior principal investigator, academic advisor and documentary filmmaker with more than 70 publications and leadership in 22 regional projects. I have headed research with National Geographic, Explorers Club, United Nations, and delivered keynotes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US. My work has been featured by hundreds of media outlets in more than 70 countries, including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, CNN, Forbes among others.
ABOUT ME
Driven by childhood dreams of working with sharks, my journey overcame the challenges of wartime, living far from the coast, and over 20 relocations. Today, I am an internationally awarded scientist, senior principal investigator, renowned lecturer, academic advisor, and documentary filmmaker. With more than 70 scientific publications, I have served as Principal Investigator on 21 regional projects, including National Geographic, Explorers Club and Discovery Channel. As a keynote speaker, I have addressed numerous forums across Europe, Asia, Africa and US. My work has been featured by hundreds of media outlets in more than 70 countries, including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, FOX, CNN, Forbes, and many more.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. (Res.) in Veterinary Medicine, Pathology
M.Sc. in Marine Biology and Conservation
B.Eng. (Hons.) in Biology and Ecological Engineering
Honorary Ambassador
of the Mediterranean
appointed by Barcelona Convention (PAP/RAC, UNEP)
2022
Special Governmental Recognition for Science
for extraordinary scientific achievements and promotion of science
2021
Man of the Year
prestigious award
awarded by LadiesIn community for distinguished scientific work
2019
featured
Honors & Awards
Honorary Ambassador of the Mediterranean appointed by UNEP MAP Barcelona Convention
2022
Special Governmental Recognition for Science for extraordinary scientific achievements
2021
Man of the Year title
prestigious awarded by LadiesIn
community in Balkans
2019
Discover sharks with me...
I conduct underwater research using diving, ROV surveys, and fishery monitoring, with over a decade of experience and over 150 field days annually. Having explored some of the world’s most remote locations, I have extensive experience in deep-sea, mackerel, requiem, and carpet sharks, as well as stingrays, with a particular fondness for the rough shark.
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Discover sharks with me!
Out of the water, into the lab
My research bridges veterinary medicine, wider biology, and conservation, focusing on fishing-induced trauma, post-capture survival, and biological traits. Using advanced techniques like MRI, histology, and toxicology, I pioneer regional applications, earning recognition from the Barcelona Convention.
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On the Frontlines of Conservation
My research places me on the frontlines of conservation, where the stakes are highest and the realities are stark. I cherish observing sharks in pristine waters, but my work takes me to fishing vessels and bustling harbors where the reality unfolds. Spending over 150 field days annually across Europe and Asia, I monitor fisheries, assess trauma from fishing tools, and evaluate post-capture survival. It’s demanding but vital work, shaping solutions at the source.
Vlorë, Albania
Would you leave everything behind for science, moving to a new country with a language barrier? I did, uncovering vital data on some of the rarest and most endangered species in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea.
Negombo, Sri Lanka
A casual trip can spark groundbreaking science. I’m now partnering with local universities and agencies in Sri Lanka to advance shark research, aiming to deliver the first empirical data for impactful conservation and management.
Lombok Timur, Indonesia
Indonesia leads the world in shark and ray fisheries, yet critical data on many species is scarce. I traveled across its islands, documenting fisheries and collaborating with local fishermen to understand their practices and conservation challenges
In the Media
COMING SOON
Captivating talks
I have invited and keynote lectures at prominent summits and conferences worldwide. Renowned for their unique perspectives and engaging delivery, my presentations encompass not only sharks but also a diverse array of ecological topics. I’ve had the honor of speaking at events hosted by renowned organizations such as National Geographic, the United Nations, Save the Children, TED, and beyond across United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Book a Lecture
Invite Andrej to your event and prepare for a lecture that will captivate, engage, educate, and inspire your audience. With a wealth of expertise and international recognition, Andrej brings a strong passion for marine environments to every discussion. He skillfully brings critical issues to the forefront, combining cutting-edge research with compelling storytelling. Whether it’s for a conference, seminar, or public gathering, Andrej’s presentations are designed to deepen understanding and inspire action in the field of marine biology and conservation.
Featured Events
2024
2024
2024
2023
2019
2019
2018
Colombo, Sri Lanka
National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency
Al-Hoceima, Morocco
Smart Marin Conservation Forum (UNEP MAP)
Sinj, Croatia
International Tourism Forum
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo Innovation Summit
Washington, D.C.
National Geographic Education Summit
Ljubljana, Slovenia
National Geographic Planet vs Plastics
Stepantsminda, Georgia
Conservation Across Caucasus, Rufford Foundation
In the Media
My work and career were featured in more than 250 media appearances. You can easily search for all of them by simply googling my name, while the most important are given below:
- National Geographic Spot
- NatGeo WILD Sharkfest
- CNN affiliates apparencies
- Deutsche Welle Global 3000
- TED Talk: Masarikova
Internationally recognized and prominently featured in some of the world’s most renowned and prestigious media outlets
MEDIA
Featured at Sharkfest in 2018 and 2020, as well as in dozens of other engagements
I worked with FOX on filming ‘Explorers Spot’ about me in Malta and a few other features
After merging with Discovery, WB funded my deep-sea research and content creation
For four years, Discovery funded my research on deep-sea sharks and microplastics
As a member of the elite TEC, I led two expeditions in the Mediterranean Sea
BBC has published a report on giving sharks a second chance, a program in Sharklab Malta
I had dozens of interviews and guest appearances at CNN and its affiliates in Europe
It was a pleasure to be featured in and film several documentaries aired Arte
Featured on Global 3000 due to the regional importance of our research work
other appearances in TV, radio portals, newspapers, and magazines
Featured publications
NEW BOOK
Sharks, skates and rays of the eastern Adriatic Sea
A thorough examination of Adriatic elasmobranchs presented across 330 pages. Delve into biological characteristics, occurrence patterns, threats, crucial habitats, and the overall challenges elasmobranchs face in the Adriatic Sea.
– Crafted through 18 regional research projects –
– Supported by the government of 3 Adriatic countries –
– Under the auspices of UNEP MAP – Barcelona Convention –
Author: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (Res)
Gajić et al., 2024
Journal of Fish Biology
First description of leucism in deep-sea angular rough shark and first pigment disorder in rough sharks
Gajić & Sulikowski, 2024
Mediterranean Marine Science
From rarity to reality: the hidden abundance of the critically endangered deep-sea little gulper shark in the Adriatic Sea
Gajić, 2024
Marine Biodiversity
The first report of adult blues shark surviving severe head impalement by a swordfish
Gajić & Karalić, 2024
Animal Conservation
Re-discovery of the critically endangered Spiny Butterfly Ray in the Adriatic Sea and a plausible nursery area
Gajić, 2024
Aquatic Conservation
Exploring the elusive deep-sea sevengill shark in the Adriatic Sea: novel records, health and conservation
Gajić et al., 2023
Journal of Fish Biology
The first records of gravid spiny butterfly ray in the northern Mediterranean, with fetuses
- agajic@sharklab-adria.org
- 00387 (0)61 078 104 (BA)
- 00355 (0)69 533 6652 (AL)
- Vlorë (Albania), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), New York (US)
Let's get in touch
Visit also http://www.sharklab-adria.org
Design A. Gajić, 2023
Photos: M. Prelević, E. Karalić, A. Gajić, NatGeo