ARCHELON volunteers in Lakonikos Bay started recording and protecting the nests of loggerheads (Caretta caretta) on the beaches of Mavrovouni, Vathi, Selinitsa, Valtaki and Evrota. The enthusiasm of the project team, however, was severely lowered by the increased number of strandings of dead and injured turtles in the area. These incidents were reported by residents, visitors and the volunteers themselves. Big thanks are due to the people who spotted and informed ARCHELON about the dead animals.

The first stranding was recorded on June 6th, and by the end of June the total of 6 dead loggerheads and 6 dead green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were recorded in the area. Most of the sea turtles were found on the beach of Evrotas (9 out of 12) and the remaining 3 on the beach of Valtaki. The majority of the animals found were in advanced decay and the cause of death could not be ascertained. But two of the twelve dead turtles were found to be hit on the head by with intentional human action.

More adventures awaited the team of ARCHELON in Lakonikos some days later. Two injured turtles were found on the same beaches, the first on the beach of Evrotas and the second on the beach of Valtaki. Both were hurriedly transferred to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada, Attica, with the valuable help of the Lakonia Bus Station and the Port Authority of Gytheion. We thank them warmly for their immediate mobilization.

We in ARCHELON are particularly worried about the intentional killings or injuries of sea turtles by people of the sea. To eliminate such very sad phenomena, it is necessary to mobilize the authorities and, above all, call upon all citizens to avoid such abusive acts in the future.