Last nest excavation in Kyparissia Bay
The ARCHELON team in Kyparissia Bay has successfully completed the monitoring and protection of sea turtle nesting for 2022. More than 3,700 nests were recorded on 14.5 km of beach which was surveyed daily by the researchers/ volunteers of the project. “We received a total of 61 volunteers during the whole season,” says Michalis Souroulidis, the Project Manager of the Kyparissia project.
“The daily tasks were equally distributed to the team, so everyone got to see and handle sea turtles, nests, or hatchlings, as well as a chance to talk to people visiting the area”, says Eleftheria Psichomani, the Public Awareness leader of Kyparissia project.
Many people on the beaches asked questions and were supportive of the team, especially during the nest excavations. These excavations were carried out after the nests had hatched, in order to determine their hatching success. The last nest was excavated on Monday, September 26th and its hatching success was 75,5%, which is within the normal range (see photos).
ARCHELON has been carrying out monitoring of the reproduction of sea turtles and public awareness activities in Kyparissia Bay, every year since the beginning of the 80s. The area is acknowledged to be home to the largest reproductive population of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. The Nature Protection Area of Kyparissia Bay was established in 2018, but there are still pressures and threats to the habitats and species found there.
The volunteers registered repeatedly disturbance of the nesting of sea turtles on several spots of the beach. Loud music, human presence, and sunbeds/ umbrellas remaining during the night on the beach demonstrated that local businesses as well as free campers did not pay enough attention to the protection measures in place.
“The numbers of beach furniture, the levels of light pollution and the noise in the village of Kalo Nero, as well as in some other spots of the beach, were so high that these nests and hatchlings would not have survived without the ARCHELON project. “I am grateful to everyone who participated. Despite the difficulties and the intense workload, everyone kept working. We all felt tired, but, together, we made it: we recorded and protected all nests and hatchlings”.
While the Kyparissia team is wrapping up the project and will get a well-deserved rest, ARCHELON staff is preparing the call for volunteers for the 2023 nesting season, soon to appear on the website.
Gain experience in environmental education with ARCHELON!
The Rescue Centre is again filled with smiling students and teachers!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- 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!