A Morning Beach Patrol with ARCHELON
Giorgos Vrampas, the Project Manager for Crete, welcomed SteMajourneys to one of their daily morning surveys at Platanias Beach, in Chania. On these beach patrols, the volunteers try to locate the precious sea turtle nests. What no one could have predicted though was that they would have the rare opportunity to film a turtle nesting early in the morning!
Stefanos Gogos and Maria Passarivaki are behind SteMajourneys. Photography and video making became a part of their lives along with journalism which has progressed through different stages and different fields.
In the summer of 2023, SteMajourneys undertook to film a series of videos for the Municipality of Platanias. During this endeavor, they decided to investigate more the work that ARCHELON is doing in the area. Maria, born and raised in Crete, was already familiar with the volunteers in blue T-shirts who patrol the beaches of Chania and protect the nests of the Loggerhead turtles. When they expressed their interest in learning more about ARCHELON’s action, we accepted with pleasure.
“We were aware that ARCHELON volunteers protect the Loggerhead turtles on the island, but we could never have imagined how much of a complex, scientific and hard work was involved!”, Maria admits after their visit. "After the experience of that day, we felt the need to offer something in our way. By creating a short film with the footage we shot, we hope to contribute to informing and raising awareness for the protection of the wildlife of our country", adds Stefanos.
What do the volunteers of ARCHELON do at dawn at the beach of Chania? How do they locate turtle nests? What do they do if they meet a sea turtle nesting? What are the risks to these nests and how they get protected? Watch now the video made by SteMajourneys for ARCHELON!
SteMajourneys portfolio includes a wide range of content creation, but their interest is always focused on the human element, environmental sensitivity and the countless landscapes of Greece. We are grateful to Stefanos and Maria, who helped us communicate the work of ARCHELON and convey our message for a more sustainable planet.
Watch the video here! Everyone can contribute to the protection of sea turtles– Learn more about what can you do and Become a volunteer!
Sea Turtle Festival for Kids 2024
Protecting sea turtles in Rethymno- Our Ocean, an Ocean of Potential
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- 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.