Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
For two decades, ARCHELON has been a tireless guardian of sea turtles in Amvrakikos Gulf. Nestled in the west side of the Greek mainland, this unique semi enclosed marine ecosystem and Ramsar wetland site, is home to a diverse array of marine life, including endangered loggerheads and green sea turtles. ARCHELON's unwavering commitment to conservation is making an important impact on the survival of these ancient creatures in the Mediterranean.
A Haven for Sea Turtles
Amvrakikos Gulf offers a critical habitat for loggerhead and green sea turtles in the Mediterranean, providing feeding and wintering areas. ARCHELON it studying the population structure and growth of the turtles found in the area, by using capture / recapture techniques. The aim is to also investigate the impact of threats such as pollution, accidental entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change and integrate the findings into conservation actions. Since 2023, ARCHELON has been a dedicated member of the Amvrakikos Alliance, who tirelessly collaborate with various stakeholders to promote the conservation and sustainable management of this unique ecosystem.
ARCHELON volunteers in the Amvrakikos Project were particularly busy during the summer of 2024. They identified 180 individual sea turtles, which were captured, measured and released during a few minutes, in a total of 283 captures. “It was great to also spot two of the turtles which carried satellite tags installed by ARCHELON in previous years,” said Carola Manzoni, the field leader of the Amvrakikos project. One of them, the turtle named ‘Vathos’, has been a familiar sight in Amvrakikos since 2020, consistently shown to be swimming within the area of the gulf (See the map)
The team also played a vital role in rescuing two injured sea turtles, ‘Elsa’ and ‘Wasabi’, who were brought to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada Attikis, near Athens, for rehabilitation.
Thanos Michailidis, the Project Manager of Amvrakikos, is happy with the project's outcomes. "I am grateful to the volunteers of the Amvrakikos project for their dedicated work in collecting population data and rescuing the injured animals. Special thanks are due to Carola Manzoni, for her exceptional leadership and dedication.The data collected will inform future conservation efforts and help ensure the long-term protection of sea turtles in this important ecosystem”, he stated.
If you're interested in joining the Amvrakikos team in 2025, we encourage you to apply now, since the number of volunteer places is limited. Learn more about the Project of Amvrakikos.
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- 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 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.