Sea turtles and tourists in Chania: conservation in action
The area of Chania combines natural beauty with rich history and is a very popular international tourist destination. The fact that loggerhead sea turtles continue to lay eggs amongst all things happening in the coastal zone of this area, is amazing by itself.
"The systematic recording and protection of the nests began in 1990 after the first wave of tourist development had begun. Within the first decade, it was found that the number of nests had decreased significantly. Since then, the people of ARCHELON have been trying to safeguard the functions of nature on the beach, so that the sea turtle population reproducing in Chania can recover.
The presence of ARCHELON on the beaches was essential for the protection of each sea turtle nest. Over 85 nests were recorded and protected from intense human activity by ARCHELON’s volunteers/researchers on 14 km of nesting beach. The field Leaders that trained and coordinated the volunteers in the field were: Grace Mc Farlane and Gracie Rowe (Monitoring Field Leaders), Grosjean Lucie (Public Awareness Leader and Camp and Volunteer Leader), Sheath-Vali-Shariat-Panahi Lily and Ellie Guillnneau (Monitoring Leaders), and Lang Fergus (Camp and Volunteer Leader).
“I am grateful to all the volunteers/researchers and field leaders that participated in this year's project, for the effort that everyone made to protect the sea turtles this year. They gave 100% of themselves and I am sure they gained a lot from this experience as well", adds Lydia.
About 6,607 visitors responded to the public awareness actions: they visited the ARCHELON’s information station at the Old harbor, attended our presentations at hotels, and participated in the events organized at the sea turtle nesting beaches.
The project ended in October, the Information Station closed down for the winter, and back in Athens, at the offices of ARCHELON, volunteer applications for 2023 have begun…
If you would also like to take part in the sea turtle protection project on the nesting beaches in Chania, apply here.
You can download the brochure with all the 2023 projects.
The «different» project for sea turtles in Amvrakikos Gulf
A successful year for Loggerhead nesting in Koroni- thanks to all our friends
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS17/04/2025
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
- OUR NEWS14/04/2025
Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches
ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2025
Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay
Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2025
Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!
On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!
- OUR NEWS31/03/2025
150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles
Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!
- OUR NEWS24/03/2025
Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON
On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.