Contributing to international developments on sea turtle research and conservation
For decades ARCHELON has been at the forefront of global research and conservation of sea turtles. During the 1990’s our members participated in the elaboration of the Global Strategy for the Conservation of Marine Turtles, with the understanding that without active intervention and management, marine turtle populations would be expected to continue their decline to extinction. The Strategy was published in 1995 by the Marine Turtle Specialist Group- MTSG of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), covering a wide thematic range from research and monitoring to funding for marine turtle conservation. https://www.iucn.org/resources/publication/global-strategy-conservation-marine-turtles
The Strategy provided the necessary guidance for main research and conservation activities, so that sea turtle populations would fulfill their ecological role. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that the institutions dealing with sea turtle conservation collect data with a specific methodology so that results can be quality controlled and comparable. The Marine Turtle Specialist Group later on, in 1999, published the Research and Management Techniques for the Conservation of Marine Turtles https://www.iucn-mtsg.org/techniques-manual-english.
The guidebook describes the appropriate methodology in different research themes and is essential for every scientist or scientific organization dealing with sea turtles. Today, 25 years after its first edition, the second- revised – edition of the guidebook is under elaboration by the MTSG. The revision was deemed necessary as there are new developments in research and conservation methods as well as the relevant technology.
Three collaborators of ARCHELON are currently participating in the writing of the revised guidebook. Alan F. Rees is contributing on the Chapter about the use of drones in research, Aliki Panagopoulou is writing on the methods for sociological research (questionnaires, interviews etc.) and Kostas Papafitsoros is contributing to the techniques for photo- identification of sea turtles at sea. All three subjects are related to very important new research and conservation tools. Alan will also be one of the editors of the revised guidebook. We are proud for all three of them, for, not only they provide scientific support to the projects of ARCHELON every year, but they also contribute to this very important publication and the further systematization of data collection and research on sea turtles.
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RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- 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.