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.
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RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
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- 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.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
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September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.
- OUR NEWS20/08/2025
A nesting turtle brings hope amidst a night of fire
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- OUR NEWS14/08/2025
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
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- OUR NEWS31/07/2025
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ARCHELON informs that the phenomenon of feeding sea turtles by people in coastal areas, ports and tourist spots has been observed in recent years. Despite good intentions, this practice causes serious problems – for turtles and for people alike.
- OUR NEWS25/07/2025
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Located at the beachfront of the town, the Info Station operates daily 18:30 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Rethymno, Chania, and the Messara Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in the Peloponnese
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS16/07/2025
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2025 sea turtle hatching season, with the earliest hatching event ever recorded since monitoring began in 1984.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2025
Important presentations at the 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR)
ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS09/07/2025
Inspections in Zakynthos and Kyparissia by representatives of the Bern Convention
The experts were in Greece to monitor the implementation of the Recommendations adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to our country regarding the protection of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the ongoing threats faced by the species in its largest breeding habitats in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas