Tracking Turtles
In the context of the current LIFE project ARCHELON recently equipped 4 turtles with satellite transmitters to remotely monitor their movements and diving behaviour. The transmitters were glued to the turtles' shells using a special epoxy that should keep them stuck there for the transmitters' lifespan of hopefully over 6 months.
Two of the turtles were fitted with their transmitters after nesting in the important areas of Kyparissia Bay, west Peloponnesus, and Rethymno, Crete. Their movements will be compared with those of turtles rehabilitated and released from our Rescue Centre, which count for the other two recent deployments, with more to follow. Following a turtle's movements at sea provides opportunity to identify migratory routes and foraging locations in addition to better understanding of the external factors that stimulate and direct the turtle's journey.
The nesting turtles and the first rehabilitated turtle tracked show preferences for foraging in the Aegean Sea but in distinctly separate areas. The last turtle released, has so far been content to spend his time along the north coast of Crete, in the vicinity of Rethymno where he was released.
| Turtle | Treatment Location | Last transmission / Currently |
|---|---|---|
| Toby2 | Απελευθερώθηκε στα Χανιά (Κρήτη) | Last transmission: East of Chios, coast of Turkey, E. Aegean |
| Evropi | Nested in Kyparissia Bay | Currently: Off Thasos Island, N. Aegean |
| Rethymnia | Nested at Rethymno | Currently: Mykonos Island, S. Aegean |
| Orestis | Released at Rethymno | Currently: N. Crete near Rethymno |
You can follow the progress of these turtles on line from seaturtle.org from the tracking page under project 21: "ARCHELON's turtles from Greece".
Telemetry data are collected, processed and analysed by STAT, a free-of-charge service of seaturtle.org
ARCHELON EVENTS October 2005-January 2006
Fishermen and Volunteers feed the turtles.
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- 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
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- 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
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
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!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.
- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
Sea turtles of the Saronic Gulf: Why feeding them is not an act of love
The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.
- OUR NEWS05/08/2026
Greek fishermen release rare Leatherback Turtle in the North Aegean!
In mid-July, we received a video of an impressive sea turtle that had been caught in the nets of a fishing boat.
- OUR NEWS30/07/2026
Join our Sea Turtle Nest Excavations in Peloponnese and Crete
ARCHELON invites you to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation!