Random nesting in eastern Peloponnesus
For the past summers information was coming continuously about random nesting of Caretta caretta sea turtles on the coastal area of Astros Kynourias, at the eastern part of the Peloponnesus peninsula. For this purpose, on Tuesday 4th of August, one representative of ARCHELON and another of MEDASSET visited the coastal grounds of Astros, to observe and confirm the existence of such nests and next, inform the proper authorities, the Municipality and the Port Police in the district. Both a municipal employee who was cleaning the beach at the time and a local professional fisherman advised our representatives on the locations they spotted nests and traces.
In total, 4 traces and 2 nests were counted. The nests had been partially destroyed by predators, possibly by jackal, whilst one, according to the local professionals had been marked by the Port Police for its protection.
Notwithstanding the exemplary dutifulness of the municipal employee, MEDASSET and ARCHELON continue to call upon for increased attention when cleaning up the beaches as well as regarding the timing it occurs.
In the summer period on the sea turtlesʼ nesting beaches, the cleaning of the beach using vehicles puts the nests during incubation in grave danger of destruction.
ARCHELON and MEDASSET suggest the Municipality to place a sign-board on the beach informing the beach users of the sparse nesting on the southern part of the Astros shoreline as well as about the ways they could protect the nests.
MEDASSET and ARCHELON remain at the disposal of the municipal authorities for any further information, briefing and cooperation. (MEDASSET/ES)
ARCHELON's volunteers in Crete strive for the viability of Caretta caretta population
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