Over 1.000 Caretta caretta nests in Southern Kyparissiakos Bay!
On the 28th of June the number of nests surpassed the 1.000 mark for 2016 in Southern Kyparissiakos Bay. During the last years, ARCHELON’s efforts for the protection of the sea turtles have borne fruit by increasing the number of Caretta caretta nests.
It has been more than 30 years now that the first lovers of sea turtle Caretta arrived in the area of Kyparissiakos Bay and started monitoring and then protecting the nests of this ancient seafaring reptile that in past times used to be regarded as the sacred animal of goddess Aphrodite.
Since then, thousands of people from across the globe, from America to Asia and Australia have travelled to the area to be part of this conservation effort of a protected species that faces daily anthropogenic threats, which usually manifest from lack of understanding.
Each and every one of these people will treasure for the rest of their lives this intimate experience of the life cycle of this reptile that lives in the sea and visits our beaches just to nest! Each and every one of these people having walked tens of kilometres daily during sunrise to sunset in Kyparissiakos Bay are now connected to this place and they feel deep respect for it. Each and every one of these people in this endless landscape of sand has been touched, has given their blood, sweat and tears, has felt love and ultimately shared in this enormous feat of protection of the Kyparissiakos Bay.
Thirty years later these people continue visiting the area full of emotion for the time they spent here but also for the effort that keeps us full of passion and conserves the area as close as nature intended.
Whilst waiting for the first hatchlings to reach Mediterranean sea from Kyparissiakos Bay, we hope that ARCHELON’s efforts will set an example for environmental protection throughout Greece, once is gone it is lost forever!
Information: Polymnia Nestoridou, Peloponnese Project Coordinator, Tel.:: +30 6951009785
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (May 2016)?
Small steps towards a better future for the sea turtle on Crete
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!