ARCHELON CELEBRATES THE 10–YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL MARINE PARK OF ZAKYNTHOS
These days the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is reaching 10 years since its establishment. Indeed, in December 1999, the then President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos signed the Presidential Decree for the creation of the Park.The Decree, which was the conclusion to long term deliberations and daring political decisions, was also signed by Evangelos Venizelos (Minister of Development), Ν. Christodoulakis (Financial Minister), G. Anomeritis (Minister of Agriculture), Th. Κoliopanos (Deputy Minister of Environment), St. Soumakis (Minister of Mercantile Marine), and Μ. Chrisohoidis (Minister of Public Order). The contribution of the next Deputy Minister of Environment Ilias Efthimiopoulos, as well as the General Secretary of Environment Ilias Beriatos, was very significant to the implementation of the Decree.
With a basic goal to preserve the largest in the Mediterranean breeding habitat of the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta, the Decree crowned the long-term conservation work of ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, in Zakynthos. ARCHELON documented scientifically the ecological importance of Laganas Bay and furthermore, with the assistance of other environmental organizations, lobbyed for the creation of the Park. This struggle of the environmental organizations, often escorted by intense negative reactions, broke through the borders of Greece and reached the European Parliament, the European Council, and other supranational bodies.
The creation of the National Marine Park, and its associated Management Agency established in April 2000, was the commendable solution to the preservation of the habitatʼs integrity combined with a “soft” development scheme, based on specific protection terms.
Unfortunately, the same situation doesnʼt apply in the marine area. Specific regulations, as the boats speed limit, are not controlled adequately. “Turtle-spotting-boats”, through which many locals receive an extra income, have not been organized properly, their numbers keep increasing, and now cause a considerable disturbance to the turtles in the Bay. Further, the last few years more and more turtles are found dead, mostly by being caught in nets and long-lines, a very severe problem that should be resolved immediately, before undermines protective work done on land.
37 sea turtles were healed and released during 2009!
ARCHELONʼS PROJECT “FISHERMEN AND SEA TURTLES” ONE OF THE BEST IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
Turtle Run in Chania: Lace up your running shoes and get ready!
September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.
- OUR NEWS20/08/2025
A nesting turtle brings hope amidst a night of fire
After a 12-hour period filled with fear and uncertainty, the family witnessed a miracle of nature. “It brought us peace and reminded us of what is important”.
- OUR NEWS14/08/2025
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
Thanks to persistence, medication, daily care, and a great deal of patience, “Snowball” gradually moved from a critical state to full recovery.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2025
ATTENTION! Please do not feed sea turtles – They are not pets- Protect them from human induced impacts
ARCHELON informs that the phenomenon of feeding sea turtles by people in coastal areas, ports and tourist spots has been observed in recent years. Despite good intentions, this practice causes serious problems – for turtles and for people alike.
- OUR NEWS25/07/2025
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Located at the beachfront of the town, the Info Station operates daily 18:30 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Rethymno, Chania, and the Messara Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in the Peloponnese
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS16/07/2025
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2025 sea turtle hatching season, with the earliest hatching event ever recorded since monitoring began in 1984.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2025
Important presentations at the 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR)
ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS09/07/2025
Inspections in Zakynthos and Kyparissia by representatives of the Bern Convention
The experts were in Greece to monitor the implementation of the Recommendations adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to our country regarding the protection of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the ongoing threats faced by the species in its largest breeding habitats in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas
- OUR NEWS01/07/2025
Satellite Tagging Completed and Captured on Film in Crete
ARCHELON has just successfully completed the 2025 deployment of satellite transmitters on Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Crete, as part of the ongoing LIFE MareNatura Project. This year’s work in Crete was extra special: the LIFE MareNatura Documentary team joined us in the field!
- OUR NEWS23/06/2025
Enjoy the Beaches Responsibly: Together We Protect the Sea Turtles of Kyparissia Bay!
So far, more than 2,000 nests have been recorded in the area. In order to best manage the protected beaches, we have adapted our field work protocols.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2025
World Sea Turtle Day: We can all live together!
Today, June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day. On this occasion, ARCHELON expresses its warmest thanks to all citizens, volunteers, donors and supporters who actively contribute to our work.