- 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.
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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ACTIVITIES
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