In Sekania the first loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos this year
The Management Agency of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and ARCHELON- The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece are excited to announce that the first hatched nest for this year was found last Sunday in Sekania beach, an area which is characterised as ‘Strict Nature Protection Area’ of the Marine Park. This signals the start of the hatching season for 2018 and with more than 1300 nests laid in the nesting beaches of the Park only in Laganas bay we are looking forward to many more hatchling to reach the Mediterranean.
After their exit from the nest, usually during the night, hatchlings find their way to the sea following the reflection of moonlight on the water. If there are artificial lights in the back of the beach, however, hatchlings get disorientated and eventually die from dehydration. In such places, ARCHELON volunteers place shades near the nests before they hatch. This shading is made out of bamboo beach mats and helps the hatchlings reach the sea.
However, it should be mentioned that there are a lot of dangers out there in the coastal and marine environment for the tiny hatchlings, as they fall prey to other marine organisms (e.g. fishes, marine birds). It is estimated that only 1 in 1000 hatchlings will make it to adulthood (which is estimated to happen in the age of almost 20 years).
In case you are lucky and see hatchlings on the beach during the day, the only way you can help them is by removing the hot sand from in front of them as well as shading them. It’s of extreme importance not to put sea water on them, as it will confuse them and they will think they have reached the sea. Also, do not attempt to touch or lift them, as their walk to the sea is crucial not only for their survival in their first long journey, but it is also important for them to track the abiotic characteristics of the nesting beach so they can return here (repatriation or return migration), as adults, to make their own nests.
Information:
National Marine Park of Zakynthos: http://www.nmp-zak.org/
ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece: www.archelon.gr
Zakynthos, 20/07/2018
Dim the lights for baby turtles
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Center (May and June 2018)?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2024
30 Years of Hope: The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day
Every year on June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face. This year is particularly important for ARCHELON, as the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre marks 30 years of operation.
- OUR NEWS13/06/2024
Poster contest for children and young adults: Welcome the 2024 turtle hatchlings on the beaches!
Watercolors, markers, collage, computer, phone? Everything is useful. Use your creativity and imagination to make an A3 or A4 size poster announcing that the 2024 sea turtle eggs are about to hatch.
- OUR NEWS17/05/2024
Amvrakikos Project 2024: Special Call for a Field Leader
ARCHELON is looking for a highly motivated person to lead its project in Amvrakikos Gulf, one of the few foraging sites for loggerhead turtles in Greece linking several populations nesting across the Mediterranean region.
- OUR NEWS16/05/2024
Τhe nesting of loggerhead sea turtles started earlier this year and the effects of the climate crisis on the oceans are worrying
For the first time, in the 40 years of ARCHELON records, the first sea turtle nest was found in Laganas Gulf, Zakythos on May 10th. Scientific predictions of the nesting season moving earlier in the spring due to climate change are being confirmed.
- OUR NEWS14/05/2024
Save Turtles, See Greece on a Budget
Dreaming of pristine Greek beaches and a chance to make a real difference? Here's why June and September are the perfect months to volunteer with sea turtle conservation efforts in Greece!