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 NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2024
30 Years of Hope: The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day
Every year on June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face. This year is particularly important for ARCHELON, as the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre marks 30 years of operation.