We are pleased to confirm that this year's sea turtle hatching season has begun in Greece, the country that hosts the most nests of the Loggerhead in the Mediterranean. In the approximately 100 km of coastline monitored by ARCHELON volunteers, the first nest hatched on Dafni beach in Laganas Bay in Zakynthos. Our team discovered the tiny tracks in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14th and informed the local NECCA Management Unit.

Daily patrols are carried out in all ARCHELON field projects, in the nesting areas of Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay, Koroni, Lackonikos bay, Rethymno, Chania and Messara Bay, in order to record the nests that hatch. On beaches with intense light pollution such as Rethymno, Chania and Lakonikos, protective shading is placed so that the hatchlings do not become disoriented.

In the coming weeks, thousands of baby turtles will begin the first and most important journey of their lives: from the nest to the sea.

Guidelines for behavior – How to help if you see baby turtles

During this period when the nests are hatching, it is important for those who find themselves on the nesting beaches and those who encounter baby turtles in other areas that host sporadic nests to know how to behave correctly. Hatchlings are extremely vulnerable at this stage of their lives.

If you are in an area with nests:

• Avoid the beach at night: The nests usually hatch at night, and you may accidentally step on the hatchlings.
• Turn off artificial lights on the beach: Baby turtles are attracted by bright lights and lose their way to the sea.

If you encounter hatchlings:

• Do not touch them: They should have minimal contact with people
• Do not throw them into the sea: It is crucial that they make the path to the water on their own
• Do not use a flash: Artificial light can disorient them
• Protect them from the sun: Shade them with your body or a towel
• Remove obstacles or animals from their path: Help them reach the sea safely

We invite you to share the instructions with your friends and acquaintances, inform other visitors and participate in the protection of this unique marine species. Together we can ensure that the little turtles begin their journey to the sea with the best chance of survival!

Contact ARCHELON

• Turtle Rescue: 6941511511
• Headquarters: 210 5231342, info@archelon.gr, Solonos 113, 10678 Athens
• Zakynthos: 6940454976, zakynth@archelon.gr
• Crete: 6937352379, crete@archelon.gr
• Kyparissia Bay: 6932285817, westpelop@archelon.gr
• Lakonikos & Koroni: 6951009785, southpelop@archelon.gr

We also note that ARCHELON collaborates with local Associations and organizations for the protection of nests and hatchlings in other areas of Greece such as:

• the Tulipa Goulimi Association (tel: 6977887292) in Neapoli, Lakonia.
• the Katelios Group (tel: 2671081009) and Wildlife Sense (tel: 6984865941) in Kefalonia island.

If you find hatchlings on another beach where there are no protected nests, contact ARCHELON on the 24-hour phone number 6941 511 511 to receive the appropriate instructions!