Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide
A new global study published in Endangered Species Research brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of the world’s sea turtle populations are showing signs of recovery. This comprehensive study, the first major update in over a decade, assessed 48 sea turtle populations worldwide, on the basis of threats such as predation, pollution, coastal development and climate change.
Results submitted by 145 experts from 50 different countries suggest that the conservation status of sea turtles appears to be improving, although significant challenges remain. While many populations, such as the green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Atlantic, are recovering, others, such as the critically endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), continue to face significant challenges. Their extensive migratory patterns expose them to higher environmental risks, making conservation efforts more complex.
A key contributor to this study is ARCHELON’s Research Coordinator, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD. She contributed to the study mobilising the extensive fieldwork and data collection effort on nesting of loggerhead turtles made by ARCHELON in Greece and has provided valuable insights into the status of Mediterranean sea turtle populations. Her work highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and the contribution of local conservation efforts to global assessments.
The study highlights the effectiveness of protective legislation, however, accidental entanglement in fishing gear remains a significant threat. New technologies are being developed to mitigate this issue, but widespread adoption by the global fishing community is essential.
ARCHELON has been monitoring the reproductive activity of the loggerhead sea turtle in Greece for 40+ consecutive years. This research serves as evidence of the positive impact of ongoing conservation efforts and the critical role of our dedicated scientists and researchers/ volunteers in safeguarding marine biodiversity.
Read the research paper here.
Help us continue our independent scientific and conservation work by making a donation!.
Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!
Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/06/2026
Celebrating World Environment Day with Sea Turtles in Rethymno
Last Friday, ARCHELON's team in Rethymno took part in a special awareness-raising event, co-organized by the Municipality and the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2026
Clean beaches, safe turtles: Our guide to responsible action
See some simple but crucial rules that must be followed for clean nesting beaches!
- OUR NEWS29/05/2026
Eight Hotels in Northern Crete Receive “Turtle-Friendly” Certification from the TUI Care Foundation.
The eight hotel establishments in Northern Crete are among the first businesses worldwide to receive the new “Turtle-Friendly” certification from the TUI Care Foundation, developed in collaboration with ARCHELON. This distinction recognizes their commitment to protecting the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle and highlights the importance of cooperation between the tourism sector and nature conservation initiatives.
- OUR NEWS25/05/2026
Greek beaches stand out with 624 "Blue Flags"
On May 14th we met at Paleo Faliro for the official announcement of the 2026 awards of the International Blue Flag Program, organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
- OUR NEWS18/05/2026
The nesting season has started in Greece: The first sea turtle nests for 2026 are spotted!
The first nests of the loggerhead sea turtle for 2026 have been found in Kyparissia Bay and in Zakynthos.
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, June 13, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.