The very first Caretta caretta hatchlings swim in the Laconian Gulf
During the sunrise of Saturday, 14th July, volunteers of ARCHELON recorded over than twenty traces of tiny Caretta caretta hatchlings having found their way to the sea in the Laconian Gulf of Selinitsa beach.
The hatchlings head for the water, following the moon’s reflection on the sea. They are disorientated if there’s superficial light in the places they move, which lead to their death of dehydration and reduction of the possibilities that they ‘ll obtain their population in the Mediterranean Sea. Superficial lights on the beaches disorientate not only the hatchlings that try to reach the sea, but also the adult females, when they appear to lay their eggs.
As soon as the very first hatching takes place for the current year (2018), we kindly ask the cmdg. officers to switch the lights off during the night on those beaches. Should the superficial light be decreased, moon’s and star’s reflections on the surface of the sea will safely lead the hatchlings to their destination. We kindly remind you that man’s presence on the nesting beaches can terrify not only the _Caretta caretta_s who are going to lay their eggs there, but also their babies reaching for the sea! Therefore, the flashlights and fire-layings during the night on the beaches is highly inadvisable.
ARCHELON’s volunteers are available on a daily basis from 05:30’ in the info station of Mavrovouni on the nesting beaches. Stay tuned, because the hatched nests are going to get publicly excavated in a while, during which you ‘ll be able to learn more about the Caretta caretta!
Info:
Management Body of Mount Parnon and Moustos Wetland, Mr. Argirios Boghlis, MB Coordinator, tel.: +30 27550 22021, ampoglis@fdparnonas.gr, www.fdparnonas.gr.
ARCHELON. Polymnia Nestoridou, South Peloponnese Project Coordinator, tel.: +30 6951 009 785, southpelop@archelon.gr.
(translation: Maria Argyro Dermitzakis)
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Center (May and June 2018)?
Satellite tags deployed in loggerhead turtles from southern Kyparissia Bay to study their inter-nesting and post-nesting movements!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!