Sharks, skates and rays of the eastern Adriatic Sea

A thorough examination of Adriatic elasmobranchs presented across 330 pages. Delve into biological characteristics, occurrence patterns, threats, crucial habitats, and the overall challenges elasmobranchs face in the Adriatic Sea.

– Crafted through 20 regional research projects –
– Supported by the government of 5 Adriatic countries – 
– Under the auspices of UNEP MAP – Barcelona Convention – 

Author: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (res.vet.med.)

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Recent scientific papers

Gajić, A., Sulikowski, J.A., Rummer, J.L., Gayford, J.H., Karalić, E., Beširović, H., Latta, E.N., Møller P.R. (2025). First reported evidence of healing after a traumatic mandibular fracture with associated soft tissue avulsion in the deep-sea sevengill shark (Heptranchias perlo). Journal of Fish Biology, In press.

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Gajić, A. (2025). Documenting the first neonate and juvenile rare deep-sea kitefin shark (Dalatias licha) in the Adriatic Sea, with insight into fishery-induced trauma. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 108, 1589–1598.

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Gajić, A., De Loose, E., Martin, A. G., Neuman, E., Karalić, E., Beširović, H., & Gayford, J. H. (2025). Two’s company: monozygotic twinning in the small spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). Journal of Fish Biology, 107, 662–666.

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Gajić, A., & Martin, A. G. (2025). The first evidence of long-term survival of the deep-sea Blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) following release from bottom longline fisheries. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 32(5), 349-353.

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De Loose., E., Gayford, J. H., Karalić, E., Annibaldi, A., Girolametti, F., Illuminati, S., Beširović, H., & Gajić, A. (2025). Trace element concentration and toxicity in blackspotted smooth-hound sharks (Mustelus punctulatus) from the southern Adriatic Sea: implications for consumer safety. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 213, 117630

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Gajić, A., de Loose, E., Martin, A. G., Neuman, E., & Karalić, E. (2025). First description of leucism in the deep-sea rough shark (Oxynotus centrina) and first documented pigment disorder in family Oxynotidae Gill, 1912. Journal of Fish Biology, 106, 649-653.
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Gajić, A., & Sulikowski, J. (2024). From rarity to reality: the hidden abundance of critically endangered deep-sea little gulper shark (Centrophorus uyato) in the southern Adriatic Sea. Mediterranean Marine Science, 25(3), 641-649.
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Gajić, A. (2024). The first report of adult blue shark surviving severe head impalement by a swordfish, with an overview of similar incidents. Marine Biodiversity, 54(73), 1-4.

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Gajić, A., & Karalić, E. (2024). Rediscovery and urgent conservation needs for the critically endangered Spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) in the Adriatic Sea. Animal Conservation, 27, 581-584.

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Gajić, A. (2024). Exploring the elusive deep-sea sharpnose sevengill shark (Heptranchias perlo) in the Adriatic Sea: novel records, health assessments and conservation implications. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34(3), e4122

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Gajić, A., Karalić, E., Beširović, H., & Sulikowski, J. (2023). The first record of gravid Spiny butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) in the northern Mediterranean, with description of near-term foetuses. Journal of Fish Biology, 102(6), 1506 – 1509.
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Gajić, A., Sulikowski, J., & Beširović, H. (2023). An interesting case of a single ocellus in a Brown ray from the Adriatic Sea. Marine Biodiversity, 53(29), 1-2.
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Gajić, A., Lelo, S., Joksimović, A., Pešić, A., Tomanić, J., Beširović, H., & Dragičević, B. (2022). Contemporary records of the rare and critically endangered rough shark (Oxynotus centrina) from the eastern Adriatic Sea. Journal of Fish Biology, 100(1), 329-334.
 
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Guidelines for safe handling and release

We have developed a comprehensive handling and release guide for sharks and rays—created to support both fishermen and scientists in improving survival. A comprehensive guide with practical advice and showcase from rehabilitation clinics and in-vitro incubation. 

Prepared under the framework of UNEP MAP Barcelona Convention (SPA/RAC), Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and GEF.

Author: Andrej A. Gajić, Ph.D. (res.vet.med.)

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