When the first Caretta caretta hatchlings of Kyparissiakos Gulf couldnʼt find their way to sea
The very first caretta – caretta nest that has been hatched this year in the south Kyparissiakos Gulf is located in Agiannakis area. Traces of the very first hatchlings, which left their nests, were found during the sunrise of Saturday, July 14th, by the volunteers of ARCHELON. However, their enthusiasm didn’t last long, they were caught by surprise and disheartening feelings, because their traces didn’t lead to the sea line, but followed the opposite direction, due to the topical superficial lights!
The very moment the first hatchlings start their long and difficult journey of their adulthood is significant for our project course every year. This is the crucial juncture of the beginning of the second phase of ARCHELON and all of the collaboration sectors. The hatchlings follow the moon’s and stars’ reflections to the sea, in order for them to find their way to the sea. Superficial lights behind the beach disorientate the hatchlings and mainly leads to their death due to exhaustion. Our purpose is during the nighttime to switch the lights off of the beaches where Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs.
ARCHELON and the Management Agency of Kotychi-Strofylia Wetlands and Kyparissiakos Gulf update the bathers in that beach that, should they find Caretta – caretta hatchlings during daytime, they should never wet them nor bring them into the sea. It’s crucial for them to move by themselves in this very maiden voyage from their nests to the sea. What we can only do for them is take sun precautions by creating shadows for them and level the sand in their way until they get in the water.
Info:
Management Agency of Kotychi-Strofylia Wetlands and Kyparissiakos Gulf: Georgia Karamperos, MA Coordinator, tel.: 26930 31651
ARCHELON, Panagiota Theodorou, Conservation Officer, tel.: 6932 285817
(translation: Maria-Argyro Dermitzakis)
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Center (May and June 2018)?
Satellite tags deployed in loggerhead turtles from southern Kyparissia Bay to study their inter-nesting and post-nesting movements!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.
Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.
For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!
A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!
Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.