The Lakonikos project was successfully completed
The nesting of sea turtles on the beaches at Lakonikos bay was noted for the first time in 1982. After this finding, the systematic monitoring of the nests on the nesting beaches of Mavrovouni, Vathi, Selinitsa, Valtaki, and Evrota began. Last summer, the Information Station in Mavrovouni, near Gythio, operated with the volunteers/researchers of ARCHELON.
Tanya Narshi, William Michel, and Hania Bendib were the field leaders who trained and coordinated the volunteers in the Lakonikos bay project this year. The team recorded and protected about 428 sea turtle nests and informed approximately 3,000 visitors about the reproduction and conservation of sea turtles.
The situation was relatively good on most nesting beaches and especially on Evrotas, where there was an increase in nests recorded compared to last year. However, the destruction of the sand dunes observed at Mavrovouni beach seemed disappointing due to the installation of pipelines for the biological waste cleaning at Gytheio. The destruction of the sea turtle nesting beaches continued by placing cement and gravel over the pipes. "The cars were using the upper part of the nesting beach in Mavrovouni where an illegal road had been made in previous years as well as the damaged part of the sand dunes as an extension of the road. This had as a result the increase of the degradation of the sand dunes,"says Thanos Michailidis. "'All sea turtle nesting beaches in Lakonikos have been included in the European Natura 2000 site network. Habitat degradation such as the one in Mavrovouni must be avoided and both the authorities and the construction contractors must take care when public works are realized on these beaches”, he adds.
If you would also like to become a volunteer and protect the baby turtles in Lakonikos bay apply here.
Sea turtles and tourists in Chania: conservation in action
The Conference in Morocco through the eyes of Anna Margaritouli
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
Filming of the LIFE MareNatura documentary is completed
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- 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.