- Research
Pathology
The effects of pollution on disease development
Microplastics
A comprehensive exploration through qualitative and quantitative analysis of miro- and nanoplastics
Radiology
Harnessing MRI to investigate post-capture trauma
Morphology
Unveiling the intricacies of morphological adaptations and their significance
Field study
Our field research is all-encompassing, including
- Underwater exploration
- Technical deep diving
- ROV surveys
- Photo/Videography
Fishery surveys
We dedicate over 170 days in the field to monitor trawlers and improve post-release survival.
Current Research
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.
- 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
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
Featured papers
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
- Projects
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
- Pathology & Toxicology (4)
- Ecology & Conservation (12)
- Tertiary education (3)
- Policy making & Advocacy (2)
- Media
IN MEDIA
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.
National Geographic
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.
Featured appearance
Some of the most important features are given below:
“Plastic Sharks” and “What lurks in the depths?!”
- About us
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 back in 2007.
Today, we are a recognized research institution delivering essential data for conservation and receiving numerous awards and extensive media coverage.
How we are funded?
We are funded through a combination of competitive international grants and governmental instruments.
How we spend funds?
Of the acquired funds, 55% goes to fieldwork, 25% to laboratories, 15% to education, and 5% to other costs.
Honors & Awards
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 GajićOur Team
Lear more about the people who make it happen
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News & Activities
Every week, our researchers spent at least five days at the field. Whether we conduct underwater exploration, ROV monitoring or we on-board the fishing vessels - we are at the sea. Our laboratory research carefully follows the filed. Besides the science, we are conducting capacity building and dozens of educational campaigns.
Spiny Butterfly Ray
Sharklab ADRIA has published the first record of Gymnura altavela gravid female in the northern Mediterranean which is simultaneously the only record of the species in this century for Adriatic Sea. The paper further describing attempt of in-vitro fetal incubation. Extensive pathological, immunological, radiological and microbiological examinations will be published soon!
Field Excursion
At the coldest day in January, Andrej went night diving under the trawler to locate discared sixgill shark.
Extensive fishery surveys
We are conducting surveys in both small-scale and commercial fisheries across the Mediterranean Sea.
Diseases of sand tigers
More than 30% of sand tiger sharks in aquaria exhibit spinal deformities and our team is here to help
Charismatic fauna
Besides sharks, skates and rays we frequently encounter various charismatic marine fauna, check out
Angular rough sharks
We are using axial computed tomography and digital X-ray to understand inner ear morphology
Smooth-hound sharks
For the past five years, Mustelus spp., are in the focus of our studies. Learn more about microplastics here
How healthy are Makos?
Since February, we are studying the health status of Mako sharks in the plausible nursery in the Adriatic Sea
Immunology in deep-sea
We are applying biomarkers for individual immunological response in several deep-sea species.
Neonatal sandbar sharks
The sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827), is a bottom-dwelling shark inhabiting shallow coastal waters of temperate and tropical seas in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. Adults attain a length of 250 and possibly up to 300 cm in total length. Feeds primarily on teleosts and invertebrates including crustaceans and cephalopods. Reproduction is placental viviparous
Featured News
Special Recognition
At the initiative of the Ministry of Education and Science, for the outstanding scientific international contribution in the field of natural science, popularization of science and promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina domestically and internationally – Andrej has received Special Recognition by the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is the very first of its kind in the history of the country.
Man of the Year award
For the achievements in science and conservation Andrej received special Man of the Yaer award
National Geographic
During his residence in Washington, D.C., Andrej worked with Robert Ballard known for his discovery of RMS Titanic.
Red List amendments
After meeting with the Minister of Environment Andrej agreed new Red List amendments
Meeting with the President
Andrej was invited by the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss development of regional research institute
- 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
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