Public Excavation of Caretta caretta Sea Turtle Nest
Out of the approximate 650 loggerhead sea turtle nests that were recorded this summer throughout the nesting beaches of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, one was recorded on beach of West Laganas.
Due to purely anthropogenic influence, the nest numbers of West Laganas have been decreasing dramatically each year. That is why ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, and the Management Agency of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ), in an effort to raise public awareness and inform the visitors of Zakynthos, one of the primary objectives of both organizations, will be organizing a public excavation of the nest on West Laganas.
ARCHELON, in collaboration with the NPMZ, collects daily scientific data about the sea turtle nests during the nesting and hatching season, spanning from May until mid-October.
ARCHELON’s trained volunteers, as well as the staff of the NMPZ, open up each nest after the end of incubation. This is always performed several days after the nest has hatched, to ensure all fit and healthy hatchlings have made already it to the sea successfully. By doing this, we can obtain valuable information about the hatching success of the nest.
Occasionally, in the excavation of some nests, live hatchlings are found, who have either been trapped by stones or sand, and have perhaps become too weak to reach the surface of the sand. In such cases, it as assed whether they are strong enough to reach the sea, or if they should be laid back under the sand to give them the opportunity to emerge the following night.
On Friday, September 22nd, at 17:30 pm, the public can witness the process of a sea turtle nest excavation, which will take place in front of Galaxy Hotel, on Laganas beach. The primary aim for this event is for the public to see the nest and to understand the importance of the protection measures defined by the Management Body of the NMPZ.
For more information on the Zakynthos National Marine Park and ARCHELON, you can visit the websites:
National Marine Park:http://www.nmp-zak.org (tel. Contact: 00 30 26950 29870)
ARCHELON The Sea turtle Protection Society of Greece: www.archelon.gr (Tel. Contact - Zakynthos: 00 30 6940454976
Zakynthos 20/09/2017
I need the sea because it teaches me...
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (July 2017)?
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.