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:

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

Visit also http://www.sharklab-adria.org

Design A. Gajić, 2023
Photos: M. Prelević, E. Karalić, A. Gajić, NatGeo