The effects of pollution on disease development
A comprehensive exploration through qualitative and quantitative analysis of miro- and nanoplastics
Harnessing MRI to investigate post-capture trauma
Unveiling the intricacies of morphological adaptations and their significance
Our field research is all-encompassing, including
We dedicate over 170 days in the field to monitor trawlers and improve post-release survival.
At the heart of our activities lies multidisciplinary cutting-edge research, where we delve into the ecology, pathology, and conservation of elasmobranchs.
Current projects (4) run in the Mediterranean Sea, funded by: Nat Geo, Explorers Club, Discovery, Rufford and Bin Zayed.
Through the past 10 years, our researchers has published and mentored:
You can download most of our publications for free
Shark, skates and rays of the eastern Adriatic Sea
Author Andrej A. Gajić
Comprehensive review of 60 species, 330 pages, supported by ministries of three countries!
Based on projects:
– Rufford Foundation (5)
– National Geographic (2)
– Discovery Channel (2)
– Foundation Ensemble (1)
– PADI Foundation (1)
– Ministry of Science (5)
– Explorers Club (2)
UNDER THE AUSPICIES OF
Original research
The first record of gravid Gymnura altavela in the northern Mediterranean Sea, with description of foetuses
Original research
Contemporary records of the rare and critically endangered angular rough shark (Oxynotus centrina) from Adriatic Sea
Current projects
The effects of pollution and habitat loss on elasmobrachs disease development
Reviving the Lost Legacy: First data of Gymnura altavela and new hope for conservation
Rescue, rehabilitation, tagging and re-introduction of sharks, skates and rays
What lurks in the depths? Exploring the diversity of deep-sea elasmobranchs
We are backed by the most esteemed and competitive foundations globally, along with the support of the European Union, the governments of Adriatic countries, and UNEP MAP Barcelona Convention.
Projects by category
Our work is highly recognized across the globe, with more than 300 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.
We had dozens of engagements for NatGeo and NatGeo WILD
Don’t miss our feature on disease studies airing during NatGeo Sharkfest! Watch it here!
National Geographic Magazine Download our features below:
Through Explorers Classroom we have lectured over 15.000 students from 75 countries.
Some of the most important features are given below:
“Plastic Sharks” and “What lurks in the depths?!”
Despite growing up in the mountains of a war-torn country, far from the sea, Andrej founded Sharklab while still in the high school back in 2007.
Today, we are a recognized research institution delivering essential data for conservation and receiving numerous awards and extensive media coverage.
We are funded through a combination of competitive international grants and governmental instruments.
Of the acquired funds, 55% goes to fieldwork, 25% to laboratories, 15% to education, and 5% to other costs.
2022: Honorary award of UNEP MAP Barcelona Convention
2021: Special Governmental Recognition of Excellence
2020: National Geographic EC Leadership Award
2019: Man of the Year awarded
to our CEO, Andrej Gajić
Lear more about the people who make it happen
When working with Sharklab ADRIA, there will never be a moment of boredom. There are constant new and exciting opportunities, and there are moments that I will never forget. Never before have I had the pleasure of working with such a vast network of friends while constantly feeling like I am learning. I had an absolute blast in my first internship and an unforgettable experience during my thesis.
Both internships have really changed my life! If Sharklab ADRIA is the living body where my aspirations thrive, then Andrej and Emina are undeniably its brilliant mind and compassionate heart. The level of knowledge I gained was phenomenal, and the field of experience was expanded in a monumental way. Thank you for the opportunity to not only learn to be a scientist but to be a more accomplished person.
During our internship program, our interns conducted fishery monitoring and comprehensive examinations to assess the presence of diseases, parasites, and basic biological traits, including food preferences and reproductive patterns. Our focus centered on the rarest and most threatened species, aiming to deliver crucial data essential for their conservation efforts.
This internship was life-changing for my career. I discovered a whole new perspective on my work and realized that I’m truly devoted to it. I really appreciated the fact that the internship was a mix of lab work, field work, lectures, and fruitful discussions. I had core memories that will never be forgotten. Andrej and Emina’s support has left me more inspired than ever and prepared to advance my career in shark conservation.
This internship was an exceptional experience, offering the unique chance to work with extremely rare elasmobranch species, to do a reserach on microplastics. It was far more enriching than a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree, as every aspect was studied in depth and applied in the lab.This total immersion is an extraordinary opportunity that all elasmobranch enthusiasts should seize.
Getting hands-on experience with some of the most threatened and elusive animals on earth was an unforgettable and enriching experience! The internship covered a vast variety of different skills! Andrej and Emina made me feel at home from day one and I could not have asked for better supervisors. I feel more inspired than ever and fully prepared to advance my career in conservation.
We encountered a variety of rare and deep-sea species, while Andrej and Emina always ensured the work was super interesting and informative! As a team, we had a great balance of working hard but also having a lot of fun. The highlight of team-building activities had to be paragliding from 900m high and landing on a beach. I left feeling satisfied, inspired and more equipped to continue my career in shark conservation.
MEET YOUR SUPERVISOR
Andrej Gajić is a Ph.D. researcher in veterinary medicine with M.Sc. in marine biology and conservation. Despite growing up in a war-torn country, Andrej always dreamed of working with sharks. Today, he is experienced principal investigator and awarded scientist with over 70 publications. Andrej have successfully overseen 21 regional research projects and lectured numerous conferences across United States, Europe and Africa. As head scientist, he had assignments for National Geographic and Discovery Channel. His research has been featured in over 300 media outlets, including Nat Geo, FOX, Discovery, Warner Bros., CNN affiliates, and many others.
2022 Ambassador of the Mediterranean
Appointed by Barcelona Convention
2021 Special Governmental Recognition
for extraordinary scientific results
2020 Early Career Leadership
for research by National Geographic
2019 Man of the Year award
Balkan regional award by LadiesIn
MEET YOUR HOST
Emina is currently transitioning from her role as a human nurse in a hospital to becoming a nurse for sharks and rays, focusing on the rehabilitation and specialized care for injured individuals. She has been deeply involved in various critical projects, including the in-vitro incubation of fetuses from critically endangered spiny butterfly rays and vulnerable smooth-hounds. Additionally, she has contributed to the revival efforts of some rare and elusive deep-sea species. Furthermore, Emina serves as the technical coordinator for educational and laboratory research conducted at Sharklab, overseeing tasks such as pathological examinations, MRI examinations, and morphological analysis.
Important info
The contribution fee directly supports our research and covers accommodation, transportation between project sites (by land or sea), training and lectures, interactive workshops, field and lab work, and long-lasting scientific support.
Please note that the fee does not cover transportation to Albania, transfer to accommodation, mandatory health and/or travel insurance, meals, or personal expenses.
Limited scholarships are available for low-income countries and in exceptional cases. Upon completion, participants receive an recommendation letter.
Please complete the form by submitting your basic data, along with a short motivation letter and your CV. If you encounter any technical issues, feel free to email us your application instead.
Rest assured that our senior officers will respond to you promptly.
we are looking forward to speak with you
E-mail: interns@sharklab-adria.org
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Designed and developed: A. Gajić
