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
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
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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