The coastal zone of Kyparissia Bay consistently emerges as the first in number of loggerhead sea turtle nests in Greece and the Mediterranean. In fact, Kyparissia Bay together with Laganas Bay in Zakynthos host over 57% of all the loggerhead nests in the European Union (according to data from Casale et al., 2018).

According to the annual report of ARCHELON's Project in Kyparissia for 2025, the region experienced one of the most productive years in recent decades. Specifically, approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years. This success is a result of the systematic protection of nests and hatchlings that ARCHELON has been implementing since 1992. It is imperative that the Kyparissia Bay Nature Protection Area receives immediate institutional support and that the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead be implemented in order to protect this fragile achievement.

In more detail, the main results of the ARCHELON's 2025 Project are:

• Large Number of Nests: Approximately 6,100 nests were recorded (5,200 in the 9.5 km core and 900 north of Neda). Monitoring and protection of nests and hatchlings was implemented.
• Significant Population Recovery: There was a 74% increase compared to the average number of nests in the previous 12 years in the same area. This success is the result of the long-term and systematic protection of nests and hatchlings implemented by ARCHELON since 1992 and has led to the recovery of the breeding population.
• Engaging Volunteers and Interns: 90 volunteers and researchers from Greece and abroad participated in the project from May to September. Of these, 11 took on field-leader duties and 27 students completed their internships.
• Raising Public Awareness: 5,800 visitors and residents participated in educational activities and were informed about sea turtle biology and the threats that they have to face. The activities included educational walks on the beach and a tour of the Agiannakis Environmental Station, educational presentations at schools, at partner hotels and at the seasonal Information Stations that operated in Kalo Nero and Kyparissia.
• Satellite Monitoring: Two new satellite transmitters were placed on adult turtles, as part of the scientific research for the European LIFE MareNatura Project. Data from these transmitters will help in the study of the turtles' feeding areas and migratory routes.

Despite the impressive results of the nesting season, anthropogenic pressures (violations of legislation, habitat degradation) continue both on the coast and at sea. ARCHELON calls on the State to take immediate steps:

• Immediate Implementation of the National Action Plan: The Action Plan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, adopted by the state in 2021, must be implemented. ARCHELON must receive the necessary and indispensable financial support in order to continue the activities of recording and protecting nests and hatchlings. To date, ARCHELON covers all monitoring activities in Kyparissia Bay exclusively with its own resources. At the same time, the competent authorities fail to effectively manage and surveille the protected area.

• Institutionalization: The procedures for the institutionalization and implementation of the Management Plan of the Nature Protection Area must be accelerated. Α spatially unified management of the current protected area will ensure the long-term survival of sea turtles and the conservation of the protected coastal habitats included in it.

“The recovery of the Loggerhead population is a national achievement and it is a direct result of ARCHELON's long-term monitoring activities. However, this is a fragile result that requires continuous action on the field and the corresponding institutional support and funding. It is necessary to ensure the good ecological condition of the habitats in the protected area. We call on the State to immediately implement the National Action Plan,” said Panagiota Theodorou, ARCHELON's Legal and Statutory Issues Coordinator.

“We warmly thank the citizens, the Port Authorities and the Municipal Authorities for their cooperation in the Sea Turtle Rescue and Recording Network. The cooperation of citizens and authorities is crucial, but the preservation of the habitats in good condition now requires the decisive intervention of the State,” says Peli Tsousi, Project Manager of ARCHELON's Kyparissia Bay project.

ARCHELON thanks all the volunteers, residents and organizations that support its work, and continues to work tirelessly for the conservation of the sea turtle and its valuable habitats.

Read the Annual Report of the Kyparissia Bay Project for 2025 here.