First Caretta nest spotted in Kyparissia Bay!
The Kyparissia volunteer group, under the direction of Brian Ground, located and protected the nest in the area of Vounaki, South Kyparissian Gulf. The nest had to be moved further back from the shore in order to prevent it from being destroyed or damaged by waves. After the nest was relocated, special metal netting was used to protect the eggs from foraging dogs and foxes. The 106 eggs are now safe from natural threats, but they are still in danger from beach vehicles and disturbance by people. When they hatch and try to reach the sea, many of the baby turtles will become disoriented by the man-made lights and noise, while many mother turtles become trapped in fishing nets and longlines which commercial fishermen use uncontrolled in the area.
The start of the nesting season (eight days later than in 2010) also marks the start of the this yearʼs season of study and protection of sea turtles, as mandated by Greek, European Union and international law. In particular, their protection is covered in the international CITES treaty, the Bonn Treaty, the Berne Treaty (in section IV of the Guide to Ecological Sites, 92/43/EOK), Presidential Decrees 617/80 and 67/81, which forbid the collection, trade, abuse, killing, or possession of sea turtles.
ARCHELON has renovated the old Agiannaki railroad station building near Kalo Nero and transformed it into an Environmental Information Centre, where presentations are given to schools and organized groups.
Letʼs hope that this year will be better, and that the trend of fewer nests each year in the coastal nesting areas – which is a result of human actions – will not continue. ARCHELON, with its approximately 500 volunteers from all over the world, will continue to try to protect both the turtles and their nests.
Translation by Joanne Stournara
Introducing volunteerism and sea turtles to children
'Explosion' of arrivals at the Rescue Centre
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS24/04/2025
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If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.
- OUR NEWS22/04/2025
Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
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- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
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- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
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- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
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- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
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Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.