CNN 10 The courageous fight to save Albania's endangered sharks
Nov 4, 2025
Andrzej Gaj, a marine biologist and founder of Shark Lab Adria, passionately discusses his efforts to save endangered sharks and rays in the Adriatic Sea. He highlights the threats these creatures face, including pollution and bycatch, while emphasizing the importance of local fishermen in conservation efforts. NASCAR champion Kyle Larson shares insights on life on the racetrack and the challenges of everyday driving. He also offers advice for young people, underscoring the value of respect and having fun.
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Adriatic Clarity Drives Unique Biodiversity
- The Adriatic Sea is unusually clear because its coastline is rocky and limestone-based, reducing sediment runoff.
- This clarity supports over 7,000 native species but also exposes them to concentrated threats like overfishing and pollution.
Night Dives Reveal Fragile Sharks
- Andrzej Gaj dives at night in pitch-black, choppy Adriatic waters searching for sharks that become active after dark.
- He describes encountering small, terrified sharks and the emotional feeling of meeting
Rediscovering Lost Species
- Andrzej Gaj recounts studying the critically endangered angular rough shark and rediscovering spiny butterfly rays after a century without records.
- He and his team spend about 160 days a year in the field assessing marine health and habitats.