THE SEA TURTLES IN AMVRAKIKOS BAY
The turtles in the Bay After an invitation by ETANAM (Development Agency for Amvrakikos), ARCHELON took part in a LIFE E.U. project that, between other things, studied the presence of the turtles in the Bay. In the period 1999-2003, ARCHELON worked in the Bay using some of the latest technology. With the help of fishermen, turtles, most of which were juveniles, were caught in nets and were fitted with radio transmitters as well as acoustic transmitters (which can transmit underwater) so that their movements could be monitored within the Bay. Satellite transmitters, which have a large operational range, were also fitted in order to identify where turtles go when they leave the bay. This research found that most turtles remain within the Bay during the whole winter. There, they feed with the plentyful of crabs, shells, and other invertebrates present in the Bay.
Considering that the Bay has no nesting beaches, where do the loggerheads in the bay come from?
Problems with fishermen and oyster cultivators Fish are not the main food of the loggerhead sea turtle. It is anyway too difficult, if not impossible, for her to catch them. Of course, when she does find them caught in fishing net, she does try to eat them and this is when she comes into conflict with the fisherman. It's not only that she eats the caught fish. Even worse, she can destroy the nets. This happens because the turtle gets caught up in the net and, in her attempt to reach the surface and breathe, she tears it or entangles it further. Unfortunately there is no solution to this problem, apart from compensation to the fishermen. This is something that the state must seriously consider and reach a decision about.
Because entanglement of turtles in fishing nets also causes many losses on behalf of the turtles, ARCHELON, in cooperation with the local municipality and the Centre for Environmental Education, created a basic First Aid Station at Kopraina of the Prefecture of Arta. Injured turtles can be kept there temporarily before they are transferred to Glyfada of Attiki, where the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre of ARCHELON is located.
Photo Captions: No. 1: Turtles are captured manually by ARCHELON researchers in Amvrakikos to be measured and tagged.
No. 2: After tagging and measurements, turtles are immediately released. The data collected will help reach conclusions about the number of turtles in the bay and their rate of growth.
No. 3: Turtle release in Amvrakikos Bay after a satellite transmitter was placed to study its migration.
No. 4: The route of a turtle from Amvrakikos Bay to the eastern coasts of the Mediterranean as recorded by its satellite transmitter. It is very possible that this turtle originally came from the eastern Mediterranean, where she returned to nest after reaching maturity in the rich feeding grounds of Amvrakikos Bay.
No. 5: Volunteers of ARCHELON are setting up the First Aid Station for sea turtles at Kopraina, in Amvrakikos Bay.
“Manolis” is the name of the eleventh sea turtle caretta-caretta released this year
Caretta-caretta nesting season started in Rethymno (Crete)!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.
- 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