AMVRAKIKOS GULF: AN IMPORTANT AREA LINKING LOGGERHEAD HABITATS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
The long term study of loggerhead turtles at the important foraging area of Amvrakikos Gulf, initiated by ARCHELON in 2002, yielded important results. After 14 years of marking 700 turtles with flipper tags and of applying satellite transmitters, it was concluded that the loggerheads foraging in Amvrakikos Gulf reproduce mostly on Greek nesting beaches and mainly in Zakynthos.
One turtle migrated in the easternmost Mediterranean and possibly nested in Turkey. The genetic study of collected tissue samples verified that Amvrakikos turtles originate mainly from Greek nesting beaches (86%), and mostly from Zakynthos (63%), with the remaining 14% from the wider area of eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus, Turkey, Libya). The above conclusions specify one more reason to conserve the ecosystem of Amvrakikos Gulf, the adequate management of which will assist the conservation of the declining Zakynthos turtle population.
The relevant study has been recently published in the journal Marine Biology by Dr Alan Rees, member of the ARCHELON Scientific Committee. The entire publication is posted HERE.
Lakonikos project is going to thrill South Carolina
Marine Pollution and Sea Turtles
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
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ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
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- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
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- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
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- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
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In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
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- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.
- OUR NEWS19/09/2025
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
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- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
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- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.