Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (December 2015)?
Our volunteer at the Rescue Centre Joanne Stournara updates us on the events from 1-31 December 2015.
Turtle news:
Turtles currently being treated: 19
Arrivals
On 29 December 2015, ‘Lemmy’, a barely alive Caretta caretta turtle, was found floating in the shallow water close to shore on a Salamina beach by a group of friends out for an evening run. They immediately notified the local port police, who in turn notified the ARCHELON Rescue Center, and arrangements were made for the immediate transport of the turtle to Glyfada.
When the turtle arrived, he was so dehydrated and decimated that he looked more like a skeleton than a live turtle. His carapace was 75cm long, but he weighed only 40 kilos. He had a carapace injury (which did not appear to be a very recent one) which appears to have been caused by a propeller, and a head injury. His body was covered with algae and barnacles, and he was infested with leeches (including clusters of leech eggs). These conditions indicate that the turtle had been inactive for quite some time, possibly because of his injuries.
Despite the emergency treatment ‘Lemmy’ received, he unfortunately died a short time after his arrival.
Releases
Thanks to the continued spring-like weather, it was possible to release several rehabilitated turtles this month.
‘Liam’, a loggerhead who had arrived on 19 September 2015 from Evia with an ingested hook and a flipper injury, was released on 2 December 2015 by beach.
‘Irini’, a loggerhead who had arrived on 6 July 2015 from Skopelos with a carapace injury, was released on 2 December 2015 by beach.
‘Freddy’ had arrived on 9 Aug 2015 from Salamina with a head injury and an ingested hook. Fortunately, the hook was eliminated by him naturally, and the loggerhead was released on 2 December 2015.
Other news
RC Co-ordinator Pavlo Tsaros will be away for three months. During his absence, Yiannis Xalkias and Polymnia Nestoridou will be ‘holding down the fort’.
Did you know...
Leeches are only one of the common problems faced by sea turtles. For an interesting article which discusses these problems, see http://nmlc.org/2011/07/sea-turtles-part-2-disease-predators-and-conservation/ (The same article has some interesting info and photos about sea turtle hatchlings, too).
EVS in ARCHELON
New IUCN Red List Assessment of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean: long term protection pays off
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS25/05/2026
Greek beaches stand out with 624 "Blue Flags"
On May 14th we met at Paleo Faliro for the official announcement of the 2026 awards of the International Blue Flag Program, organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
- OUR NEWS18/05/2026
The nesting season has started in Greece: The first sea turtle nests for 2026 are spotted!
The first nests of the loggerhead sea turtle for 2026 have been found in Kyparissia Bay and in Zakynthos.
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, June 13, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
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 NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- 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.