The bay of Laganas in Zakynthos is now dangerous to sea turtles
Then, based on a photo archive, ARCHELON researchers have been able to identify this dead turtle. Unfortunately, it was "Achilles", one of the few male turtles that lived permanently in the bay of Laganas, who do not migrate to other areas of the Mediterranean for wintering or finding food. The continued presence of Achilles in Laganas bay has been documented since 2012, as the scars he had on his shell from an earlier propeller conflict made it very easy to identify the particular animal. Indeed, in 2016, the same animal was identified with hook injuries, and after receiving first aid from ARCHELON volunteers, he was released back into his natural environment. Sadly, this year Achilles was not so lucky.
The death of Achilles once again proves the highly problematic situation in Laganas Bay. This situation is exemplified by the very large number of recreational boats, the constant violation of the speed limit by these boats (6 knots) set by the Presidential Decree applicable to the area (already over 150 violations of the speed limit have been recorded during the current summer season), the flagrant violation of the guidelines of sea turtle observation issued by the Management Agency of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and the lack of visitor information from the boat operators, all of which create a scene of severe disturbance of the protected animal. On top of all of the above, the worrying sea turtle feeding has been added in recent months.
Achilles was one of the turtles that both tourists and boat-owners were feeding in order to get clear photographs. Unfortunately, this feeding practice made the wild animal tolerant of the boats and the human interaction, resulting in reduced reaction of avoiding the boats.
ARCHELON hopes that the death of Achilles will provide an opportunity to improve the bad situation in Laganas Bay. Proper implementation of the legislation and directives of the Management Agency of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a duty of all of us! Ultimately, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a protection area for sea turtles and the environment.
Information: Anna Lamaj, Project Officer Zakynthos Τel.: +306940454976, e mail: zakynth@archelon.gr
Public excavation of a Caretta caretta sea turtle nest
The rehabilitation of «Adonis»
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Rethymno, Chania, and the Messara Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in the Peloponnese
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS16/07/2025
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2025 sea turtle hatching season, with the earliest hatching event ever recorded since monitoring began in 1984.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2025
Important presentations at the 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR)
ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS09/07/2025
Inspections in Zakynthos and Kyparissia by representatives of the Bern Convention
The experts were in Greece to monitor the implementation of the Recommendations adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to our country regarding the protection of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the ongoing threats faced by the species in its largest breeding habitats in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas