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 NEWS17/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"