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.

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