Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Every summer, we cover almost 100 km of beach with our organized action, recording and protecting Loggerhead nests. But we cannot be everywhere! See the activity areas and if you see turtle tracks on any other beach, please report it.
What is sporadic nesting?
Most sea turtles return to lay their eggs on the beaches where they were born. However, there are some females that, during their travels, make nests on shores that are unknown to us. These "sporadic nests" can appear anywhere in Greece, and we need your help to record them! "These nests are found on beaches where significant nesting is not observed every year," says Panagiota Theodorou, ARCHELON's Legal and Statutory Issues Coordinator, who coordinates the recording with Aliki Panagopoulou, Research Coordinator.
Why is sporadic nesting important?
Each nest represents an opportunity for the long-term conservation of sea turtles and the good health of the marine ecosystem. Reporting and recording sporadic nests collects valuable data for studying and understanding this phenomenon.
- Studying the occurrence of sporadic nesting sheds light on the movement patterns of sea turtles. This data is used for the study of sea turtle populations.
- Knowing the location of the nests allows to implement nest protection and the improvement of nest management strategies.
- Raising public awareness about sporadic nesting encourages all citizens who care about nature and the environment to be observant and contribute to the protection of wildlife by reporting tracks, hatchlings and potential nests.
How can you help?
- Do not disturb the nest: Leave it exactly as you found it.
- Note the location: Use landmarks or GPS coordinates to locate the nest.
- Report the nest to ARCHELON: Fill out the new online Sporadic Nest Recording Form here. This user-friendly platform allows you to quickly submit information about the nest location, date and any observations you may have.
You can find the Sporadic Nest Registration Form [here]https://archelon.gr/en/sporadic-nesting)
Let's all help protect the sea, the beaches and the sea turtles!
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Rethymno, Chania, and the Messara Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in the Peloponnese
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS16/07/2025
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2025 sea turtle hatching season, with the earliest hatching event ever recorded since monitoring began in 1984.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2025
Important presentations at the 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR)
ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS09/07/2025
Inspections in Zakynthos and Kyparissia by representatives of the Bern Convention
The experts were in Greece to monitor the implementation of the Recommendations adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to our country regarding the protection of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the ongoing threats faced by the species in its largest breeding habitats in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas
- OUR NEWS01/07/2025
Satellite Tagging Completed and Captured on Film in Crete
ARCHELON has just successfully completed the 2025 deployment of satellite transmitters on Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Crete, as part of the ongoing LIFE MareNatura Project. This year’s work in Crete was extra special: the LIFE MareNatura Documentary team joined us in the field!
- OUR NEWS23/06/2025
Enjoy the Beaches Responsibly: Together We Protect the Sea Turtles of Kyparissia Bay!
So far, more than 2,000 nests have been recorded in the area. In order to best manage the protected beaches, we have adapted our field work protocols.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2025
World Sea Turtle Day: We can all live together!
Today, June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day. On this occasion, ARCHELON expresses its warmest thanks to all citizens, volunteers, donors and supporters who actively contribute to our work.