ARCHELON and Strandings
When a stranding is reported to the ARCHELON Zakynthos team, the response is as quick as possible. The information we receive about the turtle, including location, size and whether it is deceased or alive, is usually very vague. It is important to respond rapidly due to this ambiguity; sometimes deceased turtles are reported as alive as the motion of the waves makes them appear to be moving their flippers. Similarly, injured turtles may be very weak and not move much at all and hence might seem lifeless. Hence the first thing the stranding team does when it locates a turtle is assess its condition.
In the case of deceased turtles, the priorities are to determine the cause of death, to record data such as measurements (which aid with ageing and sexing turtles) and finally to safely dispose of the carcass. Clues such as external injuries, bleeding or extruding fishing line may help to conclude why the individual died. Some of the most common causes of injury/death to turtles are propeller strikes, intentional, malicious head injuries and fishing line/hook ingestion. Several turtles have also been found entangled in fishing line, which can constrict the blood flow to flippers and may eventually cause it to die and start decomposing. It is important to stress that in Zakynthos, local fishermen are well informed and ARCHELON maintains a good relationship with them. Sadly this is not the case all over Greece and so some see Sea Turtles as a nuisance. A stranding database is maintained to monitor what the biggest threats are so that these can be tackled accordingly.
The Rescue Centre was established in 1994 in cooperation with the municipality of Glyfada and since then has successfully rehabilitated and released approximately 70% of all sea turtles that have been sent there. Treatment may include x-rays, medication, operations, feeding and observation. As a part of ARCHELON, the work in the Rescue Centre is completely funded by donations and our adoption programme. It is possible to sponsor the treatment of injured sea turtles currently receiving care at the Rescue Centre. Further details can be found at www.archelon.gr.
Dionysis Arvanitakis Zakynthos programme Coordinator
Save a life... Give a 2016 lucky charm
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (September 2015)?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
New data reveals that sea turtles follow much more complex migration strategies
World Sea Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but also to remember why we continue to research and protect these ancient ocean travellers.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
Coordinated action in Greece, Cyprus and Italy to protect sea turtles against the climate crisis
Today, June 16, the world celebrates World Sea Turtle Day. In the Mediterranean, this celebration comes at a critical turning point.
- OUR NEWS15/06/2026
Turtle Festival: Diving into Deep Waters at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre!
On the occasion of World Sea Turtle Day (June 16), last Saturday the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opened its doors to the public for this year’s Turtle Festival, themed “Into Deep Waters.”
- OUR NEWS09/06/2026
Celebrating World Environment Day with Sea Turtles in Rethymno
Last Friday, ARCHELON's team in Rethymno took part in a special awareness-raising event, co-organized by the Municipality and the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2026
Clean beaches, safe turtles: Our guide to responsible action
See some simple but crucial rules that must be followed for clean nesting beaches!
- OUR NEWS29/05/2026
Eight Hotels in Northern Crete Receive “Turtle-Friendly” Certification from the TUI Care Foundation.
The eight hotel establishments in Northern Crete are among the first businesses worldwide to receive the new “Turtle-Friendly” certification from the TUI Care Foundation, developed in collaboration with ARCHELON. This distinction recognizes their commitment to protecting the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle and highlights the importance of cooperation between the tourism sector and nature conservation initiatives.
- OUR NEWS25/05/2026
Greek beaches stand out with 624 "Blue Flags"
On May 14th we met at Paleo Faliro for the official announcement of the 2026 awards of the International Blue Flag Program, organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
- OUR NEWS18/05/2026
The nesting season has started in Greece: The first sea turtle nests for 2026 are spotted!
The first nests of the loggerhead sea turtle for 2026 have been found in Kyparissia Bay and in Zakynthos.
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, June 13, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.