Green turtle nesting on Cretan beach is confirmed!
Thanks to a notice received from a local enterprise in Kalamaki, Messara Bay, on July 22, 2019, the team of ARCHELON confirmed that the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) also nests on Crete. The event was recorded with all necessary precautions (red LED flashlight, no flash photos) and the nest was protected according to the appropriate methodology. It is noted that this is the second time the Green turtle has been spotted in Crete. The first nesting record on Crete was made in 2007 at Rethymno beach by ARCHELON and was confirmed by the hatchlings.
But what do we know about this species and its conservation needs?
The Green turtle is the second species of sea turtle nesting on the Mediterranean coast after our well-known loggerhead.
The species differs morphologically from loggerheads and is recognized externally mainly by four pairs of side plates, none of which borders the nuchal plate, one pair of prefrontal scales between the eyes, instead of two in loggerheads and four posterior plates instead of three in loggerheads.
It also has a more "round" carapace, instead of the "heart shaped" carapace of loggerheads and proportionately (relative to its size) smaller head. The hatchlings have a light colored belly, they are gray on the top with lighter gray around the shell and edges of the flippers.
Small green turtles are omnivorous, that is, they feed on various sea plants and animals, but when they grow up they feed almost exclusively on sea plants.
The Green turtle is considered an endangered species worldwide and is protected by international conventions, European and Greek law. Its breeding areas in the Mediterranean are confined to its easternmost tip, mainly in Turkey, Cyprus and Syria. Measures for the protection of breeding sites and specific monitoring programs exist mainly in Turkey, Cyprus and Israel.
Their dietary fields are identified in the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa up to the west coast of Libya where they migrate after breeding. The hitherto known threats faced by green turtles are accidental catches in fishing nets and tourism development in breeding habitats. In the Greek seas there are almost exclusively juvenile green turtles. In the Laconic Gulf there is a relatively high concentration of them and therefore the bay is considered a developmental habitat of the Green Turtle in Greece.
We thank ARCHELON volunteers of the Messara Bay program and our friend in kalamaki for their extremely helpful observation!
Penelope returns to her Ithaca in the Ionian Sea
Collisions of boats with sea turtles continue at Zakynthos National Marine Park - When will fines be imposed?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- 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!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
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.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!