The challenge of the nesting sea turtles on Crete
The projects of monitoring and protection of nesting loggerheads in Rethymno, Chania and Messara bay were carried out from the beginning of May to the beginning of October 2021.
Researchers / volunteers of the ARCHELON projects recorded a total of 533 nests on the 31 km of beach that were daily surveyed. The nests were protected from trampling, flooding and photo-pollution. The volunteers informed visitors about the nesting of sea turtles in the area. Public awareness activities reached about 9,600 visitors in Rethymno, 2,700 visitors in Chania and 1,700 in Messara bay. In the areas of Chania and Messara bay, dedicated local volunteers of ARCHELON participated in addition to the volunteers who came from Greece and abroad.
"We thank all the volunteers and field leaders who participated in the projects last summer. They walked many kilometers and gave their best to protect the turtles", says Lydia Koutrouditsou, biologist, Project manager of ARCHELON for Crete.
The Field leaders in 2021were: Eva Horcajo Berna and Mia Kotzageorgi (Monitoring Coordinators), Colette Ballantyne and Tania Gil Anton (Monitoring Leaders ), Mahe Le Blet and Megan McFarland (Public Awareness Leaders), Zonne Van Der Pol (Coordinator), Fabiola Cecchini and Katherine Landy (Public Awareness, Camping and Volunteers), and Paul Grammel (Project Assistant).
"Α big applause to the local authorities and all the beach businesses in Rethymno, Chania and Messara bay, that took care to maintain the nesting habitat for sea turtles by removing beach furniture during the night- we hope that next year every business will do this", adds Lydia.
What about the lights on the beach? “There was the good example of the Municipality of Platanias, Chania, who turned off the public lights during the hatching period, so that the hatchlings would not be disoriented. Again, we hope that more will follow their example ” says Panagiota Theodorou, Coordinator of Legal and Institutional Issues of ARCHELON. “However new challenges were added such as the unauthorized opening of a coastal road from Kalamaki to Afrathias in the gulf of Messara, which destroyed sand dunes", Panagiota continues.
The main nesting beaches of the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) in Crete have been included in 4 Natura 2000 sites as follows: Rethymno beach is included in GR4330004, Chania beach is included in GR4340003 (and a little in GR4340006) and Messara bay beach is included in GR4310004). It is important to note the existing provisions for project environmental impact assessments within Natura 2000 sites must be observed in these areas.
More information on the projects for volunteers:
Rethymno https://www.archelon.gr/eng/volunt_reth.php?mid=2&mid2=53&mid3=62
Chania https://www.archelon.gr/eng/volunt_chan.php?mid=2&mid2=53&mid3=63
Messara bay https://www.archelon.gr/eng/volunt_mess.php?mid=2&mid2=53&mid3=64
The nesting sea turtles in south Peloponnese
The National Action Plan for the Loggerhead sea turtle
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.