Every adoption represents hope, and a wish…that everything will be all right
There is great power in the image of a turtle entering the water and slowly but steadily swimming away from the shore, while the divers of ARCHELON follow it at a distance. The anguish of the volunteers on the shore is evident until they see one of the divers signaling success from afar. Then joy overwhelms them because everything went well.
The turtles that have been so far released to sea from the Rescue Centre in 2021 have reached the number 31. "In every release we tried to invite people who support our work, so that they can feel its joy," says Daphne Mavrogiorgou, Director of ARCHELON.
«We deeply thank all those who helped, from the moment each turtle was found and transported to the Rescue Centre, until its release, and especially our volunteers and supporters. We would also like to express our warm thanks to The Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), for supporting our actions within the project "Treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles in the natural environment" for the period between October 8, 2021 - December 31, 2021, but also for the valuable presence of Ms. Dionysia Hatzilakou at the release of "Rachel" and Mr. Nikolaos Karavas at the release of "Valentine" and "Moon"» said Dimitris Fytilis, manager of the Rescue Centre.
Sixty adoptions of sick or injured turtles and several donations contributed to the costs of caring for the turtles in 2021. The adoptions were made by companies, individuals, but also schools, such as the 5th Primary School of Kalymnos. Their support in rescuing these animals is significant.
Sea turtles are an indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem. The presence of plastic litter in the sea, the transfer of micro plastics in the marine trophic webs, overfishing, abandoned nets and fishery equipment as well as climate change, are threats to the turtles as to the wellbeing of humans. Sadly, humans are also threatening sea turtles directly. Almost half of the turtles arriving at the Rescue Centre are deliberately injured by humans.
Every adoption gives hope and a wish to solve the problem, so that everything will be all right. Adopt a hatchling, a mother turtle, or a sick / injured turtle for Christmas now.
You can see how on our website.
See our list of supporters for 2020-2021.
VOLUNTEER FOR THE SEA TURTLE PROJECTS IN 2022
Turtle-challenge 4: «Hatchlings in danger» – Send us a story about the protection of sea turtles on the beach where they are born
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- 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