Many strandings of sea turtles in Lakonikos Bay during the first half of this summer
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.
Collisions of boats with sea turtles continue at Zakynthos National Marine Park - When will fines be imposed?
Celebrating biodiversity in Flisvos Marina
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS20/07/2026
43 Years of Tagging Sea Turtles in Greece Reveal Their Journeys in the Mediterranean
A new scientific publication highlights the important marine areas turtles use in the Mediterranean, through ARCHELON’s tagging program in Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay and Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS17/07/2026
The first hatchlings of 2026 in Zakynthos!
The first nest hatched on Dafni beach in Laganas Bay in Zakynthos. Our team discovered the tiny tracks in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14th.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2026
A rare giant of the Greek seas: What our new study reveals about the Leatherback turtle
A new scientific publication brings together for the first time all available records of the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Greek waters.
- OUR NEWS10/07/2026
Raising awareness for the sea turtles in Corfu
To mark the launch of the project, ARCHELON carried out a series of outreach activities across Corfu, bringing local communities and visitors closer to sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS08/07/2026
Protecting loggerhead sea turtles contributes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As part of marine food webs, they contribute to the balance and functioning of coastal and marine habitats.
- OUR NEWS05/07/2026
Is the Zakynthos National Marine Park Truly Protected?
Two cases of environmental law violations in Zakynthos that went unpunished.
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS24/06/2026
Effective turtle conservation begins with safeguarding the nesting beaches
Field surveys were carried out over two consecutive nesting seasons (2024–2025), assessing 167 nesting beaches across Greece, covering 270 km of coastline.
- OUR NEWS22/06/2026
ARCHELON expresses its sorrow at the loss of Mona Khalil
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
New data reveals that sea turtles follow much more complex migration strategies
World Sea Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but also to remember why we continue to research and protect these ancient ocean travellers.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
Coordinated action in Greece, Cyprus and Italy to protect sea turtles against the climate crisis
Today, June 16, the world celebrates World Sea Turtle Day. In the Mediterranean, this celebration comes at a critical turning point.
- OUR NEWS15/06/2026
Turtle Festival: Diving into Deep Waters at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre!
On the occasion of World Sea Turtle Day (June 16), last Saturday the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opened its doors to the public for this year’s Turtle Festival, themed “Into Deep Waters.”
- OUR NEWS09/06/2026
Celebrating World Environment Day with Sea Turtles in Rethymno
Last Friday, ARCHELON's team in Rethymno took part in a special awareness-raising event, co-organized by the Municipality and the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Rethymno.