The Rescue Center is expanding
Last year brought significant improvements to the ARCHELON Rescue Center facilities in Glyfada. The pumping installations for the tanks was replaced, additional tanks were supplied and connected, a wooden platform was constructed next to the external tanks and modern surgical equipment was acquired as planned in the LIFE EUROTURTLES project. Two new containers arrived and one of them was turned to an operation room using funds from the Green Fund (Ministry of Environment), a necessity for the severe incidents arriving at the Rescue Center. Valuable advice was offered to us by Dr. Anastasia Komninou, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki (EAVE accreditation).
The Rescue Center received 67 injured or sick turtles in 2018, and 30 of them were released back to the sea fully recovered. The number of released animals was low compared to previous years due to the increased number of cases with intentional injuries, for which longer care and treatment is needed.
More than half of the turtles (57%) that arrived at the Center in 2018 had injuries from deliberate actions, while 22% were injuries caused by fishing gear.
The data recorded at the Rescue Center show that the percentage of intentional injuries in total arrivals during 2018 was higher compared to other years and this maybe is reflecting a trend. It must be noted that there is not enough data to discuss this issue at a bigger scale.
In the beginning of 2019, we had the pleasure of welcoming officers from the Meneu Sea Turtle Rescue Facilities in Cyprus, which operates under the support of the Fisheries and Marine Research Department. During a three-day meeting, ARCHELON's team presented how common injuries are treated and people exchanged experiences on medicine and feeding methods, food preparation, as well as tank and facility cleaning. The Fisheries and Marine Research Department of Cyprus is also a partner in the LIFE EUROTURTLES project.
A visit of Tania Monreal-Pawlowsky, a distinguished member of Wildlife Vets International, offered the opportunity to the ARCHELON staff and volunteers to learn about developments on sea turtle treatment issues. During a workshop organized in early February at the Rescue Center, Tania shared her expertise on theoretical and practical issues of sea turtle treatment, in an extremely positive mood.
Impressive images of sea turtles at sea were recorded by drones
Α love story in the Mediterranean Sea
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
Turtle Run in Chania: Lace up your running shoes and get ready!
September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.
- OUR NEWS20/08/2025
A nesting turtle brings hope amidst a night of fire
After a 12-hour period filled with fear and uncertainty, the family witnessed a miracle of nature. “It brought us peace and reminded us of what is important”.
- OUR NEWS14/08/2025
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
Thanks to persistence, medication, daily care, and a great deal of patience, “Snowball” gradually moved from a critical state to full recovery.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2025
ATTENTION! Please do not feed sea turtles – They are not pets- Protect them from human induced impacts
ARCHELON informs that the phenomenon of feeding sea turtles by people in coastal areas, ports and tourist spots has been observed in recent years. Despite good intentions, this practice causes serious problems – for turtles and for people alike.
- OUR NEWS25/07/2025
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Located at the beachfront of the town, the Info Station operates daily 18:30 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Rethymno, Chania, and the Messara Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in the Peloponnese
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS16/07/2025
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2025 sea turtle hatching season, with the earliest hatching event ever recorded since monitoring began in 1984.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2025
Important presentations at the 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR)
ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS09/07/2025
Inspections in Zakynthos and Kyparissia by representatives of the Bern Convention
The experts were in Greece to monitor the implementation of the Recommendations adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to our country regarding the protection of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the ongoing threats faced by the species in its largest breeding habitats in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas