Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
ARCHELON operates monitoring and protection programs on the beaches where their largest numbers occur in Greece. However, a small number of nests also occur in other areas of the country, since turtles can nest on coasts that are completely unknown to us. These “sporadic nests” can appear anywhere in Greece, a common phenomenon due to the country’s extensive coastline.
ARCHELON does not have the ability and the means to cover the entire Greek coastline with its activities. However, the recording of these incidents is possible with the help of the people who inform us. A newly published study investigates 40 years (1985–2024) of sporadic nesting records of sea turtle nesting in the Ionian Sea. The main findings of the study include:
- A total of 583 nesting events were recorded outside the systematically monitored zones (Zakynthos, western and southern Peloponnese).
- There is no clear north-south separation in nesting occurrences in the Ionian Sea. Nesting was quite widespread along the Ionian coast, even north of 39°N, which probably reflects warmer waters.
- Of particular interest was a nesting event recorded in 2024 in the Amvrakikos Gulf, historically known as a foraging area but not as a nesting site. In addition, three unexpected nests were recorded in the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth.
- In recent years, there has been an increase in records in northern locations. This increase may be due to increased public awareness, the ease of reporting incidents through digital media, but also to the recovery of loggerhead populations in the Mediterranean.
Why it matters
These sporadic events could be early indicators of an expansion of the nesting areas, possibly due to climate change. “Although it may still be a long way to go before new nesting sites are created, we should remain vigilant and frequently inspect the most suitable of these beaches,” explains Dimitris Margaritoulis, member of the ARCHELON Scientific Committee.
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. The success of these studies and the protection of turtles would not be possible without the public. Every photo, every GPS location, every message send to ARCHELON helps researchers understand, protect and conserve these magnificent animals.
“To everyone who noticed tracks on the beaches, stopped to protect the hatchlings, took a photo and shared their observations with us: your vigilance makes a difference. Thank you,” says Nikos Manias, Member of the ARCHELON Rescue Network.
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