First Aid Station for Sea Turtles in Amvrakikos Bay
The work of research groups has made Amvrakikos Bay known as a unique, valuable cluster of ecosystems, important for flora and fauna at an international level. The presence of sea turtles in the Bay has been particularly pointed out in the last few years. Although these turtles nest on different beaches of Greece (Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Kefallonia and others), they use the Amvrakikos area to forage and overwinter.
ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society, recognizes the importance of sea turtles\' presence in Amvrakikos Bay and carries out various activities (study of sea turtles and public awareness). Particularly, Amvrakikos Bay is the only area in Greece where the systematic usage of satellite transmitters and tags on sea turtles has been implemented, showing their movements in the marine environment far away from their nesting beaches. Furthermore, collaborations with coastal fishermen and fishing societies have been developed, aiming at the recording of damage caused by accidental entanglement of turtles in fishing gear and the proposal of solutions for the support of fishermen.
The creation of a First Aid Station in Amvrakikos Bay was prompted by frequent observations of injured turtles in the area, together with the great distance from the Rescue Center for Sea Turtles, which is the only one in Greece. The Station was established in the context of the Community Programme, LIFE-Nature, and is accommodated in the Environmental Education Center of Arachthos, at Koprena of Arta. The Station, with the cooperation of the Centre, organizes events for visitor education, releases of convalesced turtles, slide and video shows etc.
Saving sea turtles requires the participation of active citizens. For this reason the Society has created the “Life Network”, a group of volunteers who monitor coastal areas and record information related to sea turtles.
Anyone interested in participating in the volunteer programme of ARCHELON can visit our website, www.archelon.gr, or contact us on tel: 0030 210 5231342. Furthermore, in case of finding an injured or dead turtle, contact us on 800 11 70 900 (free of charge) or the local Port Authorities.
ARCHELON presents another year of efforts
Now Crete has its own First Aid Station
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