Marine Pollution and Sea Turtles
The oceans, the seas and that of closed seas, such as the Mediterranean, play key roles in the life and development of our planet. Specifically, the Mediterranean and the coastal areas, which host unique ecosystems, plants and animals and many visitors. Due to this high number of visitors, the Mediterranean encounters the serious problem of pollution. Marine pollution can be defined as the human input, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment, which causes a variety of deleterious effects; including harm to living resources, risks to human health, the reduction of marine water quality and a hindrance to marine activities, such as fishing. 80% of the total marine pollution is originally land-based waste water and this contributes to the global problem of pollution and its enormous environmental impacts.
Caretta caretta sea turtles spend 99.9% of their life in the water, except females, which during the period of nesting will leave the water to go onto beaches; to identify those appropriate for nesting. Before they reach the stage of nesting, the mating season occurs, which is when female and male turtles approach the nesting beaches at a close proximity. Therefore, the trash on the nesting beaches threatens hatchlings and they become deadly traps. The litter prevents the hatchlings from quickly reaching the sea, and makes them weak in front of their predators, such as sea birds and crabs. Finally, it is significant to note that plastics break down into smaller pieces over time, depending on the conditions in which it is located. Henceforth, this means that the disappearance of plastics within the environment is becoming increasingly difficult and harmful.
It is becoming clear that it is necessary to realize that the protection of the marine environment is not just the responsibility of governments, but primarily individual. The development of ecological consciousness will allow individuals to realize the presence and importance of human-nature interrelationships. At an individual level, there are many ways in which we can become allies of the environment, such as through volunteering. For 33 years, the volunteer organization ARCHELON has continued to operate Public Awareness Program surrounding the protection of Caretta caretta nests. Ultimately, the reduction and management of marine pollution, and that of its sources, is everyone’s responsibility.
Anna Lamaj, Zakynthos Project Leader
AMVRAKIKOS GULF: AN IMPORTANT AREA LINKING LOGGERHEAD HABITATS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (November 2016)?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- 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.