BABY SEA TURTLES DIE AT THE BAY OF KYPARISSIA (AGIANNAKI)
For 26 years ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society, has committed to keep on protecting the sea turtles nesting sites at the Bay of Kyparissia. The southern part of the Bay hosts the second largest population of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean. Much to our regret that in this region one could define as the core of the sea turtle nesting, expanding from Kalonero to Elea, each year all the more frequently the results of the unauthorized coastal development are apparent.
In particular, on August 22nd an asphalt road construction connecting the Agiannaki beach to the main street was completed. Additionally there is a new-built house by this road, on the stretch of the sand dunes. These both caused the death of many baby sea turtles that emerged from their nest on that night, August 22nd trying to find the sea.
These turtle hatchlings (we counted 10 of them), drawn by the lights of the road and the premise lost their orientation; instead of navigating quickly to the sea they went to the road where they died, stuck in the tar or crushed under the road-roller.
This is more than an unfortunate event; rather it sets an alarm. It is a warning for the danger and the damage in the wildlife and the ecosystem of this area, which is supposedly, included in the EU NATURA 2000 Network- the largest coherent network of protected areas in the world. A testament to the importance of this area biodiversity and natural beauty.
The strong artificial night lighting on beaches near nesting areas (including street, residential and business lights) however harms directly the sea turtles; it often confuses newly emerged hatchling turtles which instinctively orient to the brightest light source, luring them away from the sea. Baby turtles crawl inland instead where they die of exhaustion, dehydration, and predation or are even run over by cars if they wander onto nearby roadways.
ARCHELON strives to protect this endangered species and grow awareness of the dangers this wonderful animal faces, including that of artificial light.
Every day we continue our efforts to increase the number of Authorities and communities who understand and support our mission.
Every summer thousands of hatchlings are born at the southern part of the Kyparissia Bay. Show your respect for this ancient creature. Help us minimise the damage to the ecosystems, help us protect the marine turtles. (ND/ES)
XELONOPAREA SUMMER CAMP: AN UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY
The sea turtles of Zakynthos winter in Tunisia and in the northern Adriatic Sea!
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.