14/06/2019

TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD SEA TURTLE DAY. TURTLES AND HUMANS- CAN WE ALL LIVE TOGETHER?

This special day, the 16th of June, is dedicated to all sea turtle conservation projects, be it protection of nesting beaches or rescue and rehabilitation in the world! It is exactly on these sites that we see the print of another kind of relationship of society and nature.

afierwma-sthn-pagkosmia-hmera-twn-thalassiwn-xelwnwn-xelwna-kai-anthrwpos-mporoume-na-zhsoume-mazi-1_archelon_RC_oceans_n_flow.jpg

The battle for the survival of “Chris, the Fish” was lost in ARCHELON’s Rescue only a few days ago. She was found on Milos island in December 2018. She carried a wound on the head from a deliberate attack by humans. The wound had caused serious infections in the plastron. “We used every means that was available to us, and more of 150 hours of intensive care, still the battle was lost for another tiny piece of the puzzle of the Earth, one of those which make it an amazing and beautiful planet” said a dedicated volunteer of the Center.

afierwma-sthn-pagkosmia-hmera-twn-thalassiwn-xelwnwn-xelwna-kai-anthrwpos-mporoume-na-zhsoume-mazi-3_archelon_aegina_coin.jpg

Fish in our seas will not become more abundant if sea turtles go extinct. On the contrary, sea turtles contribute to the good condition of sea grass meadows, where many fish spawn. Sea turtles are a component of the marine ecosystem.

Amongst the countries of the European Union, Greece is the country with the highest number of small fishing vessels (less than 12m long, except for trawlers). Their number rises to 14,538 and they comprise 94% of the Greek fishing fleet. Overfishing in our seas does not allow many species to reach their reproduction size. The first step in saving marine life is to find out about the fish on our table, how and where they were caught.

afierwma-sthn-pagkosmia-hmera-twn-thalassiwn-xelwnwn-xelwna-kai-anthrwpos-mporoume-na-zhsoume-mazi-4_archelon_selinitsa_lakonikos.jpg

Another World Sea Turtle Day issue for us, in ARCHELON, is the potential impact of the announced trials for hydrocarbon extraction close to all sea turtle nesting sites in Greece. Now it is appropriate that people share their opinion on this matter as well as on moving towards alternative energy sources.

Sea turtles have been swimming in the waters of our blue planet for 110 million years. We can see them depicted on ancient Greek coins, such as the stater of Aegina.They were a symbol of wellbeing and longevity. The continuation of this co-existence is in our hands.

afierwma-sthn-pagkosmia-hmera-twn-thalassiwn-xelwnwn-xelwna-kai-anthrwpos-mporoume-na-zhsoume-mazi-5_archelon_Kyparissia_Townsend_S.jpg

ARCHELON is very happy to announce that loggerhead sea turtles have made their appearance in laying eggs on Greek beaches. The first nest was made on Zakynthos on 25/5, then the Peloponnese followed with Kotychi on 30/5, Kyparissia on 1/6 and Lakonikos gulf on 9/6. The firs nest of Crete was found on Rethymno beach on 1/6 and Chania followed on 6/6.

ARCHELON’s research teams are by the nesting beaches to support the protection of the nests. Local authorities and the Agencies for the management of protected areas are well informed about the existing regulations. Beach cleanings have been organized in all nesting beaches.

It seems as humans and sea turtles can live together.

RECENT NEWS

  1. OUR NEWS
    22/05/2025

    Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!

    The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!

    Read more
  2. OUR NEWS
    16/05/2025

    Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence

    Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!

    Read more
  3. OUR NEWS
    15/05/2025

    Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism

    Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?

    Read more
  4. OUR NEWS
    07/05/2025

    Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON

    Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!

    Read more
  5. OUR NEWS
    24/04/2025

    Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!

    If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.

    Read more
  6. OUR NEWS
    22/04/2025

    Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide

    The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.

    Read more
  7. OUR NEWS
    17/04/2025

    Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!

    Read more
  8. OUR NEWS
    14/04/2025

    Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches

    ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.

    Read more
  9. OUR NEWS
    09/04/2025

    Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay

    Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.

    Read more
  10. OUR NEWS
    08/04/2025

    Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!

    On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!

    Read more
  11. OUR NEWS
    31/03/2025

    150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles

    Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!

    Read more
  12. OUR NEWS
    24/03/2025

    Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON

    On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.

    Read more
  13. OUR NEWS
    14/03/2025

    Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles

    A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.

    Read more
  14. OUR NEWS
    24/02/2025

    ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly

    According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

    Read more
  15. OUR NEWS
    20/02/2025

    From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!

    A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.

    Read more
1 out of 0
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Learn about our latest actions and find out about our programs and how you can help sea turtles!