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 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!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.