The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.

The presence of sea turtles on the coasts of Saronikos gulf is an indication of a healthy marine ecosystem, but also an occasion to reflect on the limits of our interaction with wildlife. On the occasion of isolated incidents of disturbance and unexpected encounters of bathers with sea turtles, the Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON undertook a joint action to inform and raise awareness on local beaches, sending a clear message: we respect their living space and we never feed them.

On Wednesday, August 5, an informational visit was made to the beaches of the Municipality, where ARCHELON executives and representatives of the municipal authority spoke directly with bathers, explaining the dangers posed by the familiarization of these wild animals with humans. At the same time, the Municipality of Saronikos proceeded to place informational signs at key points on the coast, so that visitors have immediate access to basic behavioral instructions.

The visit was attended by Mr. Dimitris Papachristou, Mayor of Saronikos, Ms. Akrivi Karoumbali, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Circular Economy, Mr. Dimitris Kazanas, Deputy Mayor for Health, Transportation and Citizen Services, Mr. Dimitris Tsigas, Commander of the Palaia Fokaia Coast Guard, and Ms. Stella Beka, President of the Palaia Fokaia Community. On the ARCHELON side, Dimitris Fitilis, Manager of the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, Michalis Souroulidis, Coordinator of Field Programs and Christiana Kamprogianni, ARCHELON's Communications Officer participated in the activities.

“Sea turtles are not like the pets we are all familiar with. They live free in the sea, usually travel long distances and rarely encounter humans,” says Dimitris Fytilis. “However, in areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, its behavior changes. It treats bathers and other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.”

Why we should NOT feed turtles:

1. It changes their natural behavior. Feeding by humans affects turtles' behavior. They become accustomed to the food provided in a specific area and try to drive people away.
2. It poses a public safety risk. Sea turtles are wild animals and can react unpredictably, especially when they feel pressured or threatened. They have very strong jaws and a bite that can cause serious injury.
3. Human food is NOT suitable for turtles. Turtles feed on live marine organisms and providing human food (e.g. fish, bones, fruit, cooked food) disrupts their diet and health.

How you can actually help

• Observe the turtles from a distance, without touching or following them.
• Inform those you see feeding them.
• Share the information – knowledge is power.