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 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.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
Filming of the LIFE MareNatura documentary is completed
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.
- OUR NEWS29/09/2025
Turtles, Dolphins, and Birds: Local Communities and Scientists come together for the future of Amvrakikos Gulf
A one-day conference held on Wednesday, September 24, in Menidi, Amfilochia, united the voice of the local community with leading scientists and environmental organizations for Amvrakikos Gulf.
- OUR NEWS26/09/2025
Biologists from the 'LIFE ADAPTS' project send their message to the community
- OUR NEWS23/09/2025
Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel becomes an Advocate for ARCHELON in Rethymno
The hotel's generous donation directly supports the costs of conservation activities during the 2025 and 2026 nesting seasons.
- OUR NEWS19/09/2025
A Season of Success for the Amvrakikos Project
The 2025 field season for ARCHELON's Amvrakikos project has officially come to a close!
- 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.