The nesting sea turtles in south Peloponnese
The ARCHELON projects for monitoring and protection of the nesting loggerhead sea turtles in Romanos, Koroni, and on the beaches of Lakonikos bay started at the end of May and were completed by the end of September 2021.According to preliminary data, a total of 650 nests were recorded in 29 km of beach surveyed. In addition, the researchers / volunteers of the ARCHELON projects informed about 2000 visitors in the areas of Koroni and Lakonikos.
"We thank the researchers, volunteers and field leaders, who, despite the difficult conditions of the pandemic, carried out these activities", says Galini Samlidou, biologist, Project Manager of ARCHELON for the Peloponnese.
The activities in Romanos were carried out by Costas Teneketzis. Neil Davis was the Monitoring Coordinator In Koroni. The Field Leaders in Lakonikos were Thanos Michailidis (Monitoring Coordinator) and Constance Giradeau (Monitoring Leader). Electra Athinaiou was the Project Assistant in south Peloponnese.
One of the critical measures for allowing space on beach for the nesting of sea turtles is the removal of beach furniture at night. "Local businesses in Koroni implemented this measure throughout the season and, from mid-July onwards, businesses on most of the beaches of Lakonikos bay implemented it as well. We hope that all Municipalities and businesses will be supportive next summer", adds Galini.
But what happened when the nests in Lakonikos started to hatch? It was observed that hatchlings, which had already entered the sea, were coming out again on land, disoriented by photo-pollution on the coast. "The problem of lights in the coastal zone of Lakonikos remained extremely intense - we hope for a wider cooperation and better results in the coming years," says Panagiota Theodorou, Coordinator of legal and institutional issues of ARCHELON. "An example to imitate, was the cooperation of ARCHELON with the Costa Navarino hotel units on Romanos beach in Messinia, who made sure that the conditions on the beach were ideal for sea turtle nesting", she adds.
The main nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in south Peloponnese have been included in 2 Natura 2000 sites, as follows:
-Beaches of Lakonikos bay: Mavrovouni, Vathi, Selinitsa, Valtaki (total 8.4km.) and Evrota (15km.) in the site GR2540003
- Koroni beach Zaga Memi (2.7km) and Romanou beach (2.7km) in the site GR2550010.
More information on the projects for volunteers:
Koroni: https://www.archelon.gr/eng/volunt_kor.php?mid=2&mid2=53&mid3=59
Lakonikos: https://www.archelon.gr/eng/volunt_lak.php?mid=2&mid2=53&mid3=58
The questionnaire on sustainable tourism destinations
The challenge of the nesting sea turtles on Crete
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
In areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2024
30 Years of Hope: The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON Celebrates World Sea Turtle Day
Every year on June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent creatures and the threats they face. This year is particularly important for ARCHELON, as the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre marks 30 years of operation.
- OUR NEWS13/06/2024
Poster contest for children and young adults: Welcome the 2024 turtle hatchlings on the beaches!
Watercolors, markers, collage, computer, phone? Everything is useful. Use your creativity and imagination to make an A3 or A4 size poster announcing that the 2024 sea turtle eggs are about to hatch.
- OUR NEWS17/05/2024
Amvrakikos Project 2024: Special Call for a Field Leader
ARCHELON is looking for a highly motivated person to lead its project in Amvrakikos Gulf, one of the few foraging sites for loggerhead turtles in Greece linking several populations nesting across the Mediterranean region.
- OUR NEWS16/05/2024
Τhe nesting of loggerhead sea turtles started earlier this year and the effects of the climate crisis on the oceans are worrying
For the first time, in the 40 years of ARCHELON records, the first sea turtle nest was found in Laganas Gulf, Zakythos on May 10th. Scientific predictions of the nesting season moving earlier in the spring due to climate change are being confirmed.