A local group protects loggerhead sea turtle nests in Sitia, southeastern Crete
The local volunteer group in Sitia was very excited to record the first hatching of a sea turtle nest at Karavopetra beach on the 4th of August, 2022. The group has been active in carrying out nest recording and protection for the past 13 years under the supervision of ARCHELON. The hatched nest is one of the loggerhead sporadic nests made in the extensive Greek coastline, which are important for the study of sea turtle populations, specifically in the face of climate change.
As soon as the nest hatched, the group has actively sought cooperation with the local authorities. The Municipality covered public lights on the beach to eliminate photo pollution, there was no access to cars and motorcycles on the beach and beach furniture has been removed every night, making vital space to these ancient marine creatures. Volunteers stayed up until 6am to make sure that hatchlings would safely find the way by themselves to the sea. A few of them got disorientated by the lights, but despite the difficulties, a total of 84 hatchlings made it to the sea.
This particular nest was excavated on the 16th of August in collaboration with Lydia Koutrouditsou, biologist and project manager of ARCHELON for Crete. Excavations are always carried out by experienced people after the hatching has been concluded, according to international protocols. Whenever possible, excavations are organized as public events in order to enhance the environmental awareness of kids and grownups alike, without disturbing the animals.
What did we find out about the excavated nest? “We calculated the hatching success, as the turtle had laid 122 eggs in the nest, of which 104 hatched” said Lydia. “It was the first nest ever to be excavated in Sitia and we were honored to have the Mayor of Sitia amongst the observers. People here have observed several traces of sea turtles on the beaches this summer, so everyone is expecting more nests to be hatching soon” she added.
The conservation volunteer projects of ARCHELON monitor sea turtle reproduction, by surveying a total of 75km of nesting beaches in Greece, every summer. In addition, sporadic nesting is recorded in other beaches of the Greek coastline with the help of citizens who communicate via our website www.archelon.gr.
You can find the Information Stations of ARCHELON on Crete from May to September in Rethymno (near the Light house of the Old harbor), Chania (at the Old harbor), Messara bay (Matala village).
You can visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON which runs all year round at the 3rd marine in Glyfada near Athens with the support of the Municipality of Glyfada.
Wanted: Photos for ARCHELON’s 2023 Calendar!
Fraport Greece and Air France support the ARCHELON initiative in Zakynthos
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!