Adult specimen of marbled electric ray, Torpedo marmorata Risso, 1880, in coastal waters of Neum bay. ©A. Gajić.

This project is based on the spatial and reproductive ecology and conservation biology of sharks, skates and rays (classis Elasmobranchii Bonaparte, 1838) in the territorial waters of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Unlike the previous project which mostly dealt with the ecopathology and occurrence of diseases, this time we will focus on the continuous inventory, spatial and reproductive ecology and initial biomonitoring in order to contribute to the knowledge of elasmobranchs in our country. Since several records from former Yugoslavia, this project should reveal the true status of the presence of one of the most critically endangered sharks nowadays in the world: Squatina squatina (L.) and S. oculata Bonaparte, 1840 in the waters of Neum bay. In direct cooperation with Federal ministry and local municipality, we will continue to develop strong regulatory mechanisms in order to establish long-term in-situ conservation measures to protect threatened species and habitats listed in the published Red list proposal from previous project. This will be achieved through the adoption of both Strategies for conservation and sustainable management of elasmobranchs – through which government should establish also the monitoring of Strictly Protected and Protected species (from the Strategy).

Entire project will be accompanied by the rising awareness campaigns and interactive workshops (total three). Mentioned programs will focus on wider public masses; while all the activities will be promoted through our website and various media. We aim to publish at least three original scientific papers in order to contribute to the knowledge of elasmobranch species. All cognitions from this, and previous, project will be woven together into the scientific-popular book. The book will contain original identification key, basic biology, threats and notes to conservation of elasmobranchs from the Bosnia and Herzegovina and eastern Adriatic Sea. Through free sharing of this book, we will educate not only students and professionals, but anyone interested in this topic inspiring both citizen science and future generation of conservationists.