PROJECTS
Since 2017, we have coordinated 21 projects
in the Mediterranean Sea. These initiatives
have generated crucial data on the rare and
highly threatened elasmobranchs while also
enhancing local capacities.
Browse them below
2023 – 2024
What lurks in the depths?
Diversity and threats of deep-sea sharks in the Adriatic Sea
Through the innovative and unique approach, we are exploring the ancient sharks, skates and rays that live in the depths where the light is so scattered that there is almost nothing left to detect. For the very first time, we have delivered data on disease development, presence of microplastics and responses to environmental pressures. The results are used to develop effective conservation measures.
Principal Investigator: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (Res)
Photo: Centrophorus uyato (Rafinesque, 1810) by: A. Gajić
2023 – 2024
First data on population and nursery areas of the critically endangered Spiny butterfly ray in the Adriatic Sea
The primary objective of this project is to investigate the frequency and abundance of the Spiny Butterfly Ray, and additionally, to confirm, map, and characterize potential nursery ground. Further, through extensive stakeholder engagement, we will provide proper education, capacity building and raise awareness within local communities.
Principal Investigator: Emina Karalić, BSN
Photo: Gymnura atlavea (Linnaeus, 1758) by: A. Gajić
2024 – 2025
National Geographic
Integrating research, storytelling and education for addressing ecological and human dimensions of shark conservation
Principal investigator:
Carlo Cattano
2021 – 2023
European Union
COSFI-MAR: Towards the sustainable fisheries and improving the marine environments in Adriatic-Ionian region
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2021 – 2023
Federal Ministry of Science
Qualitative-quantitative composition of nanoplastics in sharks embryos and prenatal diagnostics
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2022 – 2024
Effective conservation and research of elasmobranchs through rescue, rehabilitation, telemetry and re-introduction
The project activities comprehend rescue, rehabilitation and re-introduction, passive acoustic telemetry, underwater exploration (diving and ROV monitoring), fishery surveys, laboratory examinations, and education. Effective long-term conservation was plead through strengthening of legal frameworks.
Principal Investigator: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (Res)
Photo: Torpedo torpedo (Linnaeus, 1758) by: A. Gajić
2022 – 2023
Rufford Foundation: 2nd Booster
Sharks, skates and rays of Albania: final step towards the regional conservation and management
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2020 – 2023
Federal Ministry of Science
Sharks, skates and rays of Adriatic Sea: biodiversity, threats and conservation
(three connected projects)
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2021 – 2023
Federal Ministry of Science
Qualitative-quantitative composition of nanoplastics in sharks embryos and prenatal diagnostics
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2017 – 2020
Shark Tales: the effects of habitat loss and pollution on elasmobranch health and disease development
This project presented pioneering studies of the epizootiology of the elasmobranchs of the Adriatic sea, with the emphasis on character, ecology and cause of outbreaks of specific diseases. In order to link observed pathological changes with a certain pressure in the habitat, extensive field studies were conducted in four countries.
Principal Investigator: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (Res)
Photo: Torpedo torpedo (Linnaeus, 1758) by: A. Gajić
2020 – 2021
Éviter l’extinction des anges de mer en Adriatique
(Avoiding extinction of angel sharks in Adriatic Sea)
The project activities comprehend rescue, rehabilitation and re-introduction, passive acoustic telemetry, underwater exploration (diving and ROV monitoring), fishery surveys, laboratory examinations, and education. Effective long-term conservation was plead through strengthening of legal frameworks.
Principal Investigator: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (Res)
Photo: Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) by: N. Kosanović
2021 – 2022
National Geographic
iNaturalist BioBlitz communal citizen-science education and research in Neum Bay
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2020 – 2022
Environmental Protection Fund
Marine fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina: biosystematic review and habitat mapping (Part II)
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2020 – 2021
Rufford Foundation: 1st Booster
Let’s create a better future for sharks, skates and rays in Adriatic: towards the unique regional protection
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2018 – 2020
PADI Foundation
Quantification of the microplastic in by-catch samples from small-scale fisheries in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2017 – 2020
Environmental Protection Fund
Marine fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina: biosystematic review and habitat mapping (Part I)
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2017 – 2018
IDEA WILD
Spatial ecology of smooth-hound sharks, genus Mustelus Linck, 1790, in Neum bay
(Field survey)
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2018 – 2020
Rufford Foundation: 2nd Grant
The next step for the establishment of the long-term in-situ conservation of sharks, skates and rays in BH
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2017 – 2018
Rufford Foundation: 1st Grant
Assessment of degree of exploration and conservation strategy for elasmobranchs in the Neum bay
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
2012 – 2015
Federal Ministry of Science
Comparative odontology of sharks: functional morphology and identification
(monograph)
Principal investigator:
Andrej A. Gajić
THEIR STEADFAST SUPPORT HAS PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN FACILIATING OUR WORK
THE FUNDERS
Currently Open Vacancy
Project
Managers
At this moment, we have the opportunity to expand our research, and we are actively seeking highly motivated individuals with a proven record of project management and bibliographic references in the fields of biology and veterinary medicine.
If you believe that you are the perfect fit for our team, please send us your cover letter and a brief CV.
- agajic@sharklab-adria.org
- 00387 (0)61 078 104 (BA)
- 00355 (0)69 533 6652 (AL)
- Vlorë (Albania), Il-Hamrun (Malta), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
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