Appeal to the ecological sensitivity of residents and visitors in Koroni, Messinia

The majority of nests of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) on the beach Zaga-Memi in Koroni are expected to hatch starting this weekend and until the end of September. Knowing the ecological sensitivity of residents and visitors who support the work of ARCHELON every summer since 1994, we appeal to them for reducing light pollution by turning off or shading the municipal and private artificial lights that shine on the beach, after 11pm each night.

What does this mean? According to data from previous years, more than 100 nests are expected to hatch "unannounced" in the coming weeks on the beach Zagka-Memi 2.7 km long. Therefore if the lights are not turned off or shaded, the chicks will not reach the sea.

ARCHELON reminds that loggerhead hatchlings are "phototactic organisms", i.e. they are attracted to light. They usually hatch at night or in the early morning hours and move towards the sea that mirrors the moon and the stars. However, artificial lights near the sea cause their disorientation and hatchlings move towards inland, which is fatal in the battle for survival from the very first minutes of their lives.

For this reason, ARCHELON appeals to local authorities and companies to turn down, cover or turn off their lights completely after 11 pm, so that hundreds of chicks do not lose their way and end up dead at their facilities or on the road, the next day.

And if we happen to witness a great moment of hatchlings coming out of the sand, lets be responsible and notify the Koroni Port Station that has the information to act properly, in collaboration with ARCHELON. Helping a wild animal is not as obvious in its handling as we often think.

Contact telephone in case of nest hatching:

Koroni Port Authority 2725 022377

Information:

Michalis Souroulidis, ARCHELON Programme Officer for south Peloponnese tel: 6951 00 9785, email: southpelop@archelon.gr.

* Archive photos. Unfortunately ARCHELON’s volunteers are absent this year from the nesting beaches of Koroni.