LESS PLASTIC IN THE SEAS – CAN WE?
Plastic bags kill sea turtles...
Sea turtles, like many other marine species, mistake plastic bags with the food they find in nature, such as jelly fish, and they swallow them. The plastic material is stuck in their digestive system and finally leads to their death.

How do we know this?
People at ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Glyfada, near Athens, have found shocking evidence, when receiving sea turtles with broken carapaces, deadly injured by collision with speed boats. One could see with bare eyes the pieces and remnants of plastic bags in their digestive system.
Learn more...
ARCHELON has undertaken to analyse the stomach content of dead sea turtles which have reached the Centre from different places in Greece, in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. This type of research, supported by the nationwide Rescue Network, may help to define the number of animals lost from this cause.
World Environment Day 2018
A surprise for the visitors of Zakynthosʼ National Marine Park
Protection of the Kyparassia Gulf in theory and in practice
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
Filming of the LIFE MareNatura documentary is completed
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
A one-day conference held on Wednesday, September 24, in Menidi, Amfilochia, united the voice of the local community with leading scientists and environmental organizations for Amvrakikos Gulf.
- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.
- OUR NEWS19/09/2025
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
The 2025 field season for ARCHELON's Amvrakikos project has officially come to a close!
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
Turtle Run in Chania: Lace up your running shoes and get ready!
September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.

