Loggerhead hatchlings have made their appearance on Greek nesting beaches!
The first hatchlings of 2022 in Zakynthos and Kyparissia bay were reported on the same day! Soon after the ARCHELON researchers/ volunteers completed the respective morning surveys of the 18th of July, we heard the news that the first hatchlings were seen on Sekania beach of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and in the Nature Protection Area of Kyparissia bay. These two nesting areas host the largest reproductive populations of the loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
On the 24th of July, the Messara project reported the first hatchlings on Crete, which hosts the third largest reproductive population of the species in Greece. Lakonikos bay followed on the 26th of July, announcing the first hatchling traces from a predated nest in Mavrovouni beach.
Turn off the lights on nesting beaches!
There are legislative provisions in place which call for elimination of photo-pollution in sea turtle nesting beaches. The project officers of ARCHELON request the engagement of competent authorities and businesses operating on this subject every year. “However, the measures are not implemented adequately in many locations. We need a more positive response on this issue, as we continue receiving desperate calls from citizens asking us to help disorientated hatchlings, which, actually, have quite reduced possibilities of surviving”, Thomas, continues.
Did you find a nest or hatchlings on the beach?
The ARCHELON volunteer conservation projects monitor sea turtle nesting in a total of 75km of beaches in Greece, every year since 1984. Sporadic nesting of loggerheads is also recorded in other locations of the Greek coastline with the help of citizens through the website www.archelon.gr.
How can you help? Visit us!
Meet with ARCHELON volunteers in Laganas bay & Zakynthos town, Kyparissia Bay (Kalo Nero & Agiannakis Environmental Station), Koroni town in Messinia, Lakonikos Bay (Mavrovouni), Rethymno (Old harbor), Chania (Old harbor)and Messara bay (Matala) as well as at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, near Athens.
You can find more info on the website: www.archelon.gr
Fraport Greece and Air France support the ARCHELON initiative in Zakynthos
All the people that work at the Rescue Centre live for their work and they all have the sea turtles deep in their hearts
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas
- OUR NEWS01/07/2025
Satellite Tagging Completed and Captured on Film in Crete
ARCHELON has just successfully completed the 2025 deployment of satellite transmitters on Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Crete, as part of the ongoing LIFE MareNatura Project. This year’s work in Crete was extra special: the LIFE MareNatura Documentary team joined us in the field!
- OUR NEWS23/06/2025
Enjoy the Beaches Responsibly: Together We Protect the Sea Turtles of Kyparissia Bay!
So far, more than 2,000 nests have been recorded in the area. In order to best manage the protected beaches, we have adapted our field work protocols.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2025
World Sea Turtle Day: We can all live together!
Today, June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day. On this occasion, ARCHELON expresses its warmest thanks to all citizens, volunteers, donors and supporters who actively contribute to our work.
- OUR NEWS10/06/2025
New Adaptation Strategies for Sea Turtles and Mediterranean Monk Seals
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- OUR NEWS08/06/2025
World Oceans Day: Conservation and Anthropogenic “Wounds” in Laganas Bay, Zakynthos
On the occasion of World Oceans Day, ARCHELON brings to the fore the challenges facing Laganas Bay, Zakynthos - one of the most important refuges of the loggerhead sea turtle in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS06/06/2025
Sekania: History of the most precious refuge for the Loggerhead in Zakynthos
Sekania, a secluded 600-meter-long beach in Zakynthos, is a global model of success in biodiversity conservation, with more than 24,000 sea turtle nests recorded over the last 40 years.
- OUR NEWS05/06/2025
World Environment Day: Keeping Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Safe from Plastics and Bulldozers
On June 5th, we celebrate World Environment Day, a day established by the United Nations in 1972. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, and ARCHELON is calling for action on the sea turtle nesting beaches.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2025
Sea Turtles Return to Crete: A Shared Victory for Nature and Sustainable Travel
ARCHELON volunteers have just located the first sea turtle nests of the season on the beaches of Rethymno, Messara, and Chania. Now the challenge to prove that tourism destinations on Crete can make a significant move towards sustainability is on again.
- OUR NEWS29/05/2025
Amvrakikos Project 2025: Special Call for a Field Leader
ARCHELON is looking for a highly motivated person to lead its project in Amvrakikos Gulf, one of the few foraging sites for loggerhead turtles in Greece linking several populations nesting across the Mediterranean region.
- OUR NEWS22/05/2025
Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!
The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!
- OUR NEWS16/05/2025
Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence
Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!
- OUR NEWS15/05/2025
Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism
Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?
- OUR NEWS07/05/2025
Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON
Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!
- OUR NEWS24/04/2025
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.