Sea Turtles stranding on Greek coasts: The most important causes
The growing number of sea turtles found dead or injured on the Greek shores led ARCHELON to establish the National Sea Turtle Rescue Network in 1992 and later, in 1994, the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center, where there is the possibility of treatment of injured turtles as well as of their reintegration into their natural environment.
Sights of dead sea turtles from many spots of coastal Greece are often published in the media. Apart from cases of deliberate injury by humans that are more obvious and usually isolated, the main question of public concern is whether these deaths are related to natural causes or anthropogenic activities.
The Coast Guard are responsible for recording the events and this is very important in order to avoid double entries. Each and every year the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON receives all the «Sea Turtle Stranding Sheets” from the Greek Coast Guard Units, along with photos and other relevant information. The cross-referencing and processing of the data by ARCHELON is in progress, but there are no easy answers.
Cases have been found where dead turtles have obvious signs of interaction with fishing gear. But even those that do not bear external signs, it is possible that they have drowned or suffered from other lethal damage due to their accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
"The data on the exact number of turtles caught accidentally on fishing boats in Greece are insufficient and little is known about their immediate and indirect mortality that follows," says Kostas Teneketzis, a coastal management researcher who works with the National Marine Research Centre. ”There are times where a relatively higher number of dead sea turtles are stranded in a location. Even then, it is hard to reach conclusions because it is possible that dead animals have been transported by waves from really far.
Based on the available data at Mediterranean level, the annual number of turtle catches on all fishing gear in Greece has been estimated by Paolo Casale (2011) at around 9,700, with 3,500 of them involving catches in static nets and bottom longlines while the rest 6,200 catches concern trawlers, purse seiners and surface longlines.
"Despite the incomplete data, the small coastal fisheries in Greece, which mainly use the tools that have the highest mortality rates, seems to be responsible for a large number of turtle deaths. The death rate of sea turtles from entanglement in their nets can reach up to 80% of the accidental catch cases", adds Aliki Panagopoulou, sea turtle expert with ARCHELON, who published a relevant survey in 2017.
Also, the effects of plastic sea pollution become more apparent over time, as sea turtles that have consumed plastic may suffer a slow death. It has been proven that the gastrointestinal system of turtles cannot process plastic, as pieces of plastic were found in all turtle necropsies that took place in 2018 at the ARCHELON Rescue Center. Turtles have also been reported dead due to involvement in plastic waste.
There are cases where the natural causes of death cannot be ruled out, but they are not easy to identify. "Unfortunately, it is not possible to perform an autopsy on any of these animals. Also, many of the animals that are stranded are in a state of advanced rot, with the result that scientific conclusions cannot be drawn about the causes of death", adds Dimitris Fytilis, Head of the ARCHELON Rescue Center.
What to do if you come across a dead or alive stranded sea turtle? See more info on our website: https://www.archelon.gr/eng/help2.php?mid=1&mid2=25
Information:
Irini Kasimati, Rescue & Rehabiliation Officer, Tel./Fax: 210 8944 444, 6941 511 511, e-mail: rescue@archelon.gr.
Dimitris Fytilis, Rescue Center Manager, Tel. 210 8982 600, 6944 929 622, e-mail: rc.officer@archelon.gr.
More than 700 sea turtles were found stranded on Greek shores in 2020
We still need you by our side
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2024
30 Years of Hope: The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day
Every year on June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face. This year is particularly important for ARCHELON, as the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre marks 30 years of operation.