On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.

According to the 2025 annual report of ARCHELON’s project in Laganas Bay, a high number of nests of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was recorded for the third consecutive year (around 2,155 nests in 2025). This encouraging number, alongside 2,033 nests in 2023 and 2,470 in 2024, reflects the positive outcome of systematic and active nest protection, which has been ongoing since 1984 in Laganas Bay, as well as the establishment and operation of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos since 1999.

However, despite this success, environmental degradation continues in the protected terrestrial and marine habitats of the park due to ongoing human pressures. This makes the completion of the park’s legal protection and the implementation of the Loggerhead Action Plan urgent. Meanwhile, the unrehabilitated landfill within the Marine Park led to a €5.5 million fine imposed on Greece by the EU Court of Justice.

Detailed 2025 ARCHELON Project Results:

• High Number of Nests: Approximately 2,155 nests were recorded on the beaches of Kalamaki (eastern Laganas), Crystal, Dafni, Sekania, Gerakas, and Marathonisi. Nest and hatchling monitoring and protection were carried out in cooperation with the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A.).
• Ongoing Volunteer and Educational Activities: 100 researchers and volunteers from Greece and abroad participated from May to October, coordinated by ARCHELON’s team. Of these, 31 acted as field leaders, and 7 students completed internships.
• Public Awareness and Education: 48.500 48,500 visitors and residents took part in educational activities, learning about the turtle’s life cycle and the risks they face. Activities included beach presentations, collaborations with hotels and tourist boats, and information provided at the seasonal Information Station in Zakynthos town.
• Systematic Recording of Pressures: Daily incidents of non-compliance with protective measures were recorded, including: • On nesting beaches: Visitors at night causing disturbance and risk of nest trampling, exceeding the permitted number of umbrellas and chairs, and artificial lighting disorienting hatchlings. • At sea: Speeding boats, anchoring in prohibited areas, and overcrowding for turtle observation. • Illegal structures and road networks continued in the Vasilikos area.
• Increased Strandings: 28 sea turtles were stranded (25 dead), 14 of them inside the Marine Park, indicating that human activities in the marine habitat pose a risk to turtles.

ARCHELON’s Recommendations:

1. Strengthen Habitat Protection: Ensure protection of nesting and breeding habitats in the Marine Park.
2. Enhanced Law Enforcement: Increase monitoring and enforcement of legislation to address pressures on both land and sea areas.
3. Immediate State Support: Nest recording and protection are largely funded by ARCHELON itself. Government funding is urgently needed for the sustainability of these actions and the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead sea turtle.
4. Completion of Legal Frameworks: Finalize the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Management Plan of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, integrating environmental organizations’ recommendations.
5. Improvement of EIS for the Ionian Marine Park: Ensure coordinated management between the National Marine Park and the future Ionian Sea Marine Park, a promising development.

ARCHELON thanks all volunteers, businesses, and organizations that support its work and continues its dedicated efforts to protect sea turtles and their valuable habitats.

Read the 2025 Annual Report of the Zakynthos Project here.