Satellite tags deployed in loggerhead turtles from southern Kyparissia Bay to study their inter-nesting and post-nesting movements!
Kyparissia Bay, situated in western Peloponnese, hosts the second largest nesting population of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean Sea. The higher numbers of nests is found at the southern part of the Bay, in a 10-km long core nesting area. ARCHELON has been working in this area conducting a long-term loggerhead tagging project since 1982 and runs a monitoring program of nesting activity every year since 1984.
How does the satellite tag work? We all know that female sea turtles are emerging from the sea to nest during night hours. Right after nesting is completed, trained scientists attach a specially designed small-sized transmitter to the carapace of the sea turtle. As the turtle surfaces for breath or comes completely out of the water, the transmitter sends a signal to an Argos satellite and this is how researchers can easily follow the turtle’s movements.
Besides tags, these 9 female sea turtles were also given names. Seven of them were named after ancient Greek mythological figures: Elaia, Neda, Polymnia, Posidonia, Thalassa, Thalia, Thetis. The remaining 2 were named Μaia and Vera, a dedication to the memory of Dr Luc Hoffmann, founder of MAVA, dear friend and mentor of ARCHELON.
The movements of these 9 loggerhead sea turtles are now online and you can enjoy following them around in this link: http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=1299!
When the first Caretta caretta hatchlings of Kyparissiakos Gulf couldnʼt find their way to sea
Bay of Laganas, Zakynthos: Attention to turtles at sea!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
A one-day conference held on Wednesday, September 24, in Menidi, Amfilochia, united the voice of the local community with leading scientists and environmental organizations for Amvrakikos Gulf.
- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.
- OUR NEWS19/09/2025
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
The 2025 field season for ARCHELON's Amvrakikos project has officially come to a close!
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
Turtle Run in Chania: Lace up your running shoes and get ready!
September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.
- OUR NEWS20/08/2025
A nesting turtle brings hope amidst a night of fire
After a 12-hour period filled with fear and uncertainty, the family witnessed a miracle of nature. “It brought us peace and reminded us of what is important”.
- OUR NEWS14/08/2025
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
Thanks to persistence, medication, daily care, and a great deal of patience, “Snowball” gradually moved from a critical state to full recovery.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2025
ATTENTION! Please do not feed sea turtles – They are not pets- Protect them from human induced impacts
ARCHELON informs that the phenomenon of feeding sea turtles by people in coastal areas, ports and tourist spots has been observed in recent years. Despite good intentions, this practice causes serious problems – for turtles and for people alike.
- OUR NEWS25/07/2025
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Located at the beachfront of the town, the Info Station operates daily 18:30 - 21:00.