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 NEWS09/03/2026
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- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
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On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
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- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
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When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
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The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
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- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
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One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.