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.
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RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
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- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
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- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
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- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
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- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
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Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
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When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
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- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
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- OUR NEWS05/08/2026
Greek fishermen release rare Leatherback Turtle in the North Aegean!
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Join our Sea Turtle Nest Excavations in Peloponnese and Crete
ARCHELON invites you to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation!