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 NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- 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.