Public excavation of a Caretta- Caretta sea turtle nest
ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, in collaboration with the Management Agency of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ), as part of the awareness program and education of the public, have performed a public excavation on Kalamaki beach, in front of the Crystal hotel on Sunday 9 October.
The number of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta) nests this year, which reached around 1500 nests, has given a significant need for the two bodies to inform the locals and visitors of Zakynthos about the work done in the marine protected area.
ARCHELON, in cooperation with the NMPZ, collects scientific data daily on the nesting, hatching and excavation of sea turtles and their nests from May to October every year. Trained volunteers of ARCHELON and the staff of the Management Agency of the NMPZ will excavate some nests after the incubation period and study the eggs inside. By counting the empty hatched eggs and those that did not hatch in the nest, determines the success rate and the total number of eggs the nest contained. These numbers provide valuable information for the protection of the species. Occasionally, some excavated nests contain live hatchlings, either trapped by rocks or compact sand or were too weak to come to the surface of the sand. In such cases, it is assessed whether they are strong enough for their journey to the sea, or if the hatchling must be placed back under the sand to give them the opportunity to emerge the following night.
Those who attended the public excavation had the unique opportunity to discover what is inside the nests of the Caretta Caretta and understand the purpose of the protective measures established by the Management Agency of the NMPZ.
The information and public awareness is an important task for ARCHELON and the Management Agency of the NMPZ. From the beginning of the nesting period, they perform a series of events to inform and educate the public about the importance of protecting the sea turtles. From informing visitors on the nesting beaches, the NMPZ Museum and beach warden huts, information stations and presentations by ARCHELON volunteers to releases of rehabilitated turtles, public excavations are another important way in which awareness is raised about the need to protect the loggerhead sea turtle.
Information: Anna Lamaj, Project Coordinator Zakynthos, phone: +30 6940454976, email: zakynth@archelon.gr
Becoming a “conservationist”
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (August 2016)?
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS22/10/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!