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 NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.