Visiting the sea turtle nesting beaches of Crete during spring!
One generation follows another and now the first ever pupils who were informed about sea turtles on Crete in the 80’s have become parents. Their kids, in elementary schools of Chania and Rethymno were, in turn, informed about sea turtles last week. Odysseas Paxinos, the project officer of Crete and Panagiota Theodorou, ARCHELON’s conservation coordinator, carried out ARCHELON’s spring visit on Crete and talked about sea turtles, their conservation, and their role in the global marine ecosystems. ARCHELON’s projects were also presented and the whole summer plan for their beaches was explained.
The spring visit included Informative meetings in Chania, Rethymno and Iraklion about the implementation of nesting beach protection measures. These include removal of beach furniture during the night (sunbeds, canoes, seabikes), reduction of photo- pollution from private and public lights, avoiding human presence of the beaches during the night as well as avoiding driving vehicles on the beaches. The meetings were attended by environment officers of the Regional Units of Chania, Rethymnon, Irakleion, representatives of the Municipalities, Coastal Guard officers and businesses operating on the beaches.
According to ARCHELON’s annual report on the conservation of the loggerhead turtles on Crete, 446 nests were identified and protected in the three main nesting habitats - that is the beaches of Rethymno, Chania and Messara bay- , during the 2018 nesting season.
The tourist season will soon be starting and hundreds of thousands of visitors will be arriving in Crete. In specific beaches, however, they are going to meet with the sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. TUI CARE FOUNDATION is kindly funding ARCHELON’s actions for information and awareness of tourists and pupils. These actions could not be realized without the help of hundreds of volunteers who participate in the sea turtle monitoring and conservation projects of ARCHELON.
Photographing sea turtles for 12 years
The Peloponnese is a very important region for the conservation of sea turtles in the Mediterranean
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- 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
LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
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.