Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm. As we reflect on the 2024 season, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all the Field Leaders who made this year so impactful.
From the Zakynthos project, we are incredibly grateful for the leadership of Sarah Bala, Oliver Power, Jessica Eadle, Sarah Crosse, Gabriella Lozano, and Sophie Lloyd, who expertly led the monitoring efforts. Natasha Radosavljevic and Efi Tzaneti provided invaluable guidance in raising public awareness, while Nicole Braunecker ensured the smooth operation of camp life, making sure that volunteers felt comfortable and supported.
Over at Rethymno, Audrey Busa, David De Haan, and Camille Bellemin took charge of monitoring duties, working tirelessly on the beaches to document nesting activities and protect the turtles. Pia Ostroske and Alicia Kolhosser led the public awareness efforts, sharing their knowledge with locals and tourists alike. Evita Andreikeviciute was there every step of the way, ensuring the volunteers were well taken care of with her camp and volunteer leadership.
The Messara project saw Holly Wallace leading the monitoring efforts with dedication and passion, while Pierre Coelaert and Solene Carlier provided the public with crucial information about sea turtles. Evita once again made sure the camp operations were running smoothly, ensuring that all volunteers felt supported.
In Chania, Eleanor and Phoebe Goodsell, together with Maja Andersson did an exceptional job leading the monitoring efforts, while Gabriel Grosjean kept the community informed and engaged through public awareness initiatives. Tomer Amit worked hard behind the scenes as the Camp and Volunteer Leader, making sure the day-to-day activities ran smoothly and volunteers had everything they needed to succeed.
In Kyparissia Bay, Megan Harvey, Lizzie Burrows West, Vasilina Vradeli, Matthew Adams, Charline Poncet, Tom Wirkel, Aris Tsiroglou, Ellen Nicholson, and Noha Ratouit took charge of monitoring efforts, ensuring the protection of the nesting turtles in the region, recording more than 7,000 sea turtle nests! Aris also took on public awareness leadership and with Dimitra Karanika spread the importance of sea turtle conservation. Leonie Orio and Danielle Rhodes kept the camp running efficiently, offering crucial support to volunteers throughout the season.
Over at Lakonikos, Sam Finlayson and Stefanie Knell led the monitoring surveys, ensuring all nests were properly recorded and protected. Gracie Rowe, Ioannis Kontoudios, and Sarah Hobbs raised awareness about sea turtles through various community outreach efforts, while Sarah also played a vital role in managing camp operations, ensuring volunteers had the support they needed.
The Koroni project was equally fortunate to have Sam and Stefanie at the helm of the monitoring efforts, while Sarah took on the public awareness activities with the help of Ioanna Dintsiou. Sarah also made sure that camp operations ran smoothly, creating a welcoming environment for the volunteers.
Finally, in Amvrakikos Gulf, Carola Manzoni took on the responsibility of guiding volunteers in capturing and collecting important biometric data from sea turtles, contributing valuable research to the conservation efforts.
These leaders went above and beyond to ensure the success of the 2024 projects, and their hard work has left a lasting impact on both the volunteers and the sea turtles they worked so tirelessly to protect.
Join Us in 2025: Become a Field Leader
Are you ready to step into a leadership role in 2025? ARCHELON is now accepting applications for Field Leaders for the upcoming season. If you have a passion for wildlife conservation, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to making a difference, we encourage you to apply. As a Field Leader, you will be at the forefront of sea turtle conservation, guiding and inspiring volunteers while contributing to crucial research and public outreach efforts.
Whether you are interested in monitoring nests, raising awareness, or supporting volunteers, there is a role for you in our 2025 projects. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of an incredible team and make a tangible impact on the conservation of sea turtles. Learn more.
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
A one-day conference held on Wednesday, September 24, in Menidi, Amfilochia, united the voice of the local community with leading scientists and environmental organizations for Amvrakikos Gulf.
- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.
- OUR NEWS19/09/2025
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
The 2025 field season for ARCHELON's Amvrakikos project has officially come to a close!
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
Turtle Run in Chania: Lace up your running shoes and get ready!
September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.
- OUR NEWS20/08/2025
A nesting turtle brings hope amidst a night of fire
After a 12-hour period filled with fear and uncertainty, the family witnessed a miracle of nature. “It brought us peace and reminded us of what is important”.
- OUR NEWS14/08/2025
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
Thanks to persistence, medication, daily care, and a great deal of patience, “Snowball” gradually moved from a critical state to full recovery.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2025
ATTENTION! Please do not feed sea turtles – They are not pets- Protect them from human induced impacts
ARCHELON informs that the phenomenon of feeding sea turtles by people in coastal areas, ports and tourist spots has been observed in recent years. Despite good intentions, this practice causes serious problems – for turtles and for people alike.
- OUR NEWS25/07/2025
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Located at the beachfront of the town, the Info Station operates daily 18:30 - 21:00.