ARCHELON is excited to announce a significant step forward in understanding further aspects of the ecology of loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. Last month our team successfully deployed satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found on the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete. This activity is part of the “Life MareNatura: Conservation of priority species of marine megafauna in Greece and Italy” project, in which ARCHELON is a partner.

In July 2024, three females and two males were tagged in Kyparissia Bay, while another five turtles were fitted with transmitters on Selinitsa beach in the Lakonikos Bay. Additionally, ten more turtles were tagged in the areas of Chania and Messara Bay of Crete. These turtles, named “Pely”, “Aliki”, “Blue”, “Harriet” and 16 more, have completed their nesting activity for the season and are now en route to their foraging sites in the Mediterraneanare, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and could be considered as ambassadors of their species. The transmitters are expected to provide invaluable data on their movements, behaviors, and habitat preferences in real time.

Led by ARCHELON’s researchers A. Panagopoulou, M. Souroulidis, G. Vrambas, and A. Karaplis, and in collaboration with the experienced scientist Alan F. Rees, our team meticulously attached the satellite transmitters, ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles. This effort marks a significant step forward in our mission to protect these iconic marine reptiles at sea. The data collected from these 20 turtles will contribute to the understanding of loggerhead sea turtle ecology in the Mediterranean. By identifying crucial habitats and migration routes, we can work to establish effective marine protected areas and safeguard these magnificent creatures for future generations.

We invite you to join us in following this exciting adventure, as the journeys of “Pely”, “Aliki”, and the other tagged turtles will be unfolding during the next months. Stay tuned for updates as we uncover the secrets of these amazing animals.